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Discussion on Why do horses buck?
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Member:
Kathymr
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Posted on Saturday, Jan 17, 2004 - 12:12 pm:
Hi,
Regards from Australia.
I am a beginner. I have a beautiful 7year old thoroughbred mare who is kind and loving,never had any vices (until now) she is not ridden and is really just a pet. Lately when I go to put her cover on, she is quite fine when I do up the front but when I go to do up the back she takes a step forward quickly turns her rump around and kicks out with both her back feet...just missing me on several occassions. Then she simply runs off. Now - my nephew has been to feed her (He wasn't going anywhere near her rump) and when he entered her paddock she did the same thing..one step forward, turns her rump around and lashes out. My questions 1. Anyone have any reason? 2. How do I correct this behaviour?
If you have any answers, please e-mail me kathykathymr@aol.com
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Member:
Dres
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Posted on Saturday, Jan 17, 2004 - 2:11 pm:
Kathleen, your horse sounds SPOILED/DISRESPECTFUL/DANGEROUS....
yes , it needs to be addressed... NOW... first i would not put a cover on her till i had a halter on her and control of her... if she tries to turn away from you shank her back to you.. when entering her paddock do so with weapons.. a whip so if she turns her butt to you, you can get her attention without getting to close, within kicking range.. make her keep her head facing you...
these are some simple ideas for a problem that can be very dangerous...
Ann
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Member:
Jojo15
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Posted on Sunday, Jan 18, 2004 - 3:39 am:
Yikes! she is showing you that she is the boss. not you. And she doesn't like that you are in her space. Better get a handle on this fast.
One question, though. Is this becoming a consistent problem or maybe just when she might be in season?
She might not like the blanket rubbing her the wrong way. her under belly and teat area can get really sensitive. If she is sensitive in any way this could have started the problem and now that she sees that blanket, associates the pain and discomfort it held the last time... just a thought.
As for the mare doing it in the paddock i can bet she got a response from the first few times from you that you would back off and leave her be. Now she is just bullying and learned a new trick and will try it when she wants to be left alone. Next she'll try it while saddling etc...
Ann's suggestion is good. But make sure you time it right. And know exactly what and when to do it. Or get a trainer to help. But, necessary that you reprimand her too or the respect thing won't be there. I've seen normally quiet horses sold to others and then start this behaviour. Like they are testing you to see who the boss is...
joj
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Member:
Christos
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Posted on Sunday, Jan 18, 2004 - 3:11 pm:
Dear Kathleen,
I think this horse is now very dangerous for you to handle alone. You should seek for professional help, not just advice.
A good idea would be to invite a trainer over, in order to show you how you can discipline her.
Kids around this horse is not a good idea!
Christos
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Member:
Alden
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Posted on Sunday, Jan 18, 2004 - 11:47 pm:
Watching my four I'd say a good buck now and then just plain feels good  They always buck when being turned out, just a couple then they settle down looking for food (their second favorite activity ) Maybe it is like a good stretch for us, I don't know.
Under saddle is rare, I have a 15h gelding that will buck at a gallop sometimes. I saw him do it with another rider during team penning. We had just broke from holding the cows and were running the side of the arena. He bucked, kicked at my horse and never missed a stride! And the rider didn't even know! Well, at least he is talented
While it is worth investigating, there is so many variable you may never know.
Good day,
Alden
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Member:
Goolsby
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Posted on Monday, Jan 19, 2004 - 3:13 pm:
Kathleen
I agree with Ann and joj. I have been experiencing this misbehavior with my colt, now 8 mo. old. He was a real sweetie until a month or so ago. Out of the blue he started turning and kicking. He managed to nail me twice. The first time he connected good and it hurt bad so I didnt get to strike back just yelled. I started carrying a waffle bat. The next time he barley connected and I was able to whopped him good. I believe its just disrespect. He would do this when he thought it was feeding time and things werent moving along fast enough. When he would look like he was going to turn, i would scold him. If he did turn I would whop him with the bat before he could kick. He hasnt kicked in a while, but I know he still thinks about it sometimes. I also make him stand back until I get his food down and walk away. I will continue to carry a weapon until i feel confident he has learned this is not acceptable.
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Member:
Christos
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Posted on Monday, Jan 19, 2004 - 3:35 pm:
Please, Kathleen,
Do get professional help. A horse does not repeatedly act like this unless it knows very well that you are unable to correct it.
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