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Discussion on Bucking Mare
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Member:
jadamy
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Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2008 - 8:57 am:
Hello all-
Need some input on a mare that I am getting ready to purchase. We went to see her yesterday, beautiful mare, looked healthy, up to date on shots, wolf teeth removed and teeth floated. She is 4 years old. The man that owned her/trained her has minimal experience but worked well with her on the ground. She walks up to you, nice soft eye, seems comfortable around people. The guy did the bag tied to a crop all over her body, spun a whip around his head and hers. She seemed very sound minded on the ground. The reason he is selling her is because she spontaneously goes into bucking fits with the end result always being he comes off. He switched from a bit to a nouvell halter (sure I spelled it wrong) that I though looked useless but non the less my husband used it to ride her. He got on in the round pen, her head went up and I could see her attitude change, body tense etc. We opened the gate and began riding her out in her paddock. That lasted not more then 2 mins. She tucked her butt and began running forward and went into a bucking show. Lasted quite a bit until she did all four feet crow hop and off my husband went. She continued to buck and ran back towards her pen (which is also the round pen) The man has three horses and only 2 and a half acres. They are penned up a lot. After seeing she did that with an experienced rider the man was sure he did not want her and if we did not take her was going to have her sent to auction. We are paying only $300 for her. We have plenty of pasture and our horses are turned out 24/7. I think that may help. The man said he could ride her for hours and days and never have a problem but then out of the blue she will do this. He always gets back on and ends up having a nice ride. That there to me rules out pain. Thoughts on that?
Here is my plan of action tell me what you think.
First the 24/7 turn out with a nice alpha mare. No grain feeding, all forage.
Second- back to basics in the round pen until I see her under saddle totally relaxed.
Third- regular snaffle bit
Fourth - considering some special mare supplements since it seems to be sporadic behavior. Suggestions on which ones?
Fifth- a few rides with a good "cowboy" trainer that will more then likely be able to ride through the bucks. AFTER we start the training all over for about 30 days.
Any other suggestions would be appreciated. She is a great mover and seems to have all the other qualities, would be a shame to see her fall into bad hands. Sorry so long!
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Member:
1roper
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Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2008 - 9:10 am:
Hi Jennifer (nice name btw)...
What it sounds to me like, is that this mare isn't ready to be ridden, and she's learned that if she bucks long enough, she'll be able to unseat someone. I wouldn't worry about riding her to the point of her bucking. What I would do is get on and off, and have her be comfortable with moving out saddled, with no one on her. Get on and off. have her take a step and be done for the day. Training is done, one step at a time, after all. Also if you don't have control of her feet, you won't have control of her mind. Period. All of what you mentioned isn't really necessary, but you should go watch Buck Branaman's Ground Work DVD.
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Member:
jadamy
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Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2008 - 9:49 am:
I agree with your thoughts. What I find so unusual is the man did have control of her feet on the ground. He moved her all over the round pen, both back and front all without the lunge line. Watching this mare in the round pen my husband and I both did not take the man serious when he described her bucking. We attributed it to inexperienced rider. He was afraid of her when he got on her back. He describes her as too much horse for him. She is four years old and appears developed well to be ridden. But I agree, I am going back to the beginning with her and going to go very slow. Somewhere in her training she was pushed too hard. The man did say last year as a three year old she went on very long rides 6-8 hours and overnight. Possible she was not fit enough for all of that and has gotten a bit soured on the carry the rider deal. 
Also a point to be made, she never showed this behavior with anyone else that took her to ride. We were the first to experience it. It was in her own paddock as well which most horses don't do well there anyway.
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Member:
rorien
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Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2008 - 3:48 pm:
She sounds like a smart horse. She's learned how to get out of work. ;)
Another thing I'd suggest is teaching her a one rein stop. This is taught initially from the ground, with neck flexes.
Then when you start riding her, if she does throw her head down to buck, you can use a one rein stop to get leverage on her head, to make her feel unbalanced. A horse will not buck if they are unbalanced. A horse cannot buck with their heads flexed to the side.
Nicole
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Member:
terrido
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Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2008 - 4:43 pm:
There can be so many reasons why a horse starts this bucking frenzy. Unfortunately she has learned she can do this an unseat a rider and get out of "work" for the most part. So it may now be a habit to try.
Could be that he just started her tooo young and did too much too soon, true, but it also may just be an ill fitting saddle after all - pain. Hard to say there, but I would guess one of two issues started this. Pain (saddle fit or his size to her), or balance. Meaning she felt so unbalanced she began bucking. Common in a young horse when asked to canter and they're not well balanced at the time.
Regardless, it's not a what to do about it. There are many schools of thought along these lines. But since you want to get her and take it slow, bring her along from square one, I would first work to establish a really good trusting relationship with her before even attempting to get on her. Make sure the saddle fits her correctly too. Then once you get to that point, again go real slow, walk only for a while, maybe even a few weeks. Short "work" sessions only. Then try to trot, etc. If she starts bucking after only a few minutes at walk. then you can either ride them out and ask for more... you can slam the bit (if a snaffle) and if your timing's great, but I personally hate that one...
or if you have established a really good and trusting relationship on the ground first, get off and let her know how unhappy/disappointed/angry you are with her for doing that to you. I mean really get in her face with all the anger/venom you can muster, 'how DARE you do that to me', yell at her if you feel like it, but all the while, make her back up away from you, don't let up until she shows that she got your message. Then get back on, ask her to walk out... if she bucks again, jump off and get in her face about t again. Just keep doing this.
It may sound counter-intuitive, but it can work. I find it works only if you have established a fabulous relationship, one in which the horse really doesn't want to upset you. LOL It does work though.
I did this with my gelding. He had a history of bucking until a rider would come off, but he'd never done that with me, which was how I got him, I was the only one that could ride him. I had retired him for a few years and then decided I'd try to ride him, just to see what might happen. We had a great ride for 20 minutes, I figured we were done and I dismounted. Then thought maybe just a short spin around his pasture, and mounted up again. Well that was ok for a while, until I decided it was time to head back out of the pasture. I guess he didn't want our ride time to end and he threw a buck, small one, but still a buck. Long story short every time I asked him to move toward the gate he would throw a buck, and they got bigger each time. I ended up getting off of him without dealing with the bucks. Granted he only threw them one at a time, not a full frenzy of intense bucks to get me off him, that day, no just enough to let me know he was not happy.
I did go back later specifically to work through the bucking. I got on him, asked him to walk, he took one step and threw a huge buck! I hopped off and "got in his face" making him back up the entire time and I screamed at him for about two minutes until he 'asked' to stop. I got back on him, asked him to walk, again he threw a buck even bigger than the first one, again I hopped off and got in his face even more, backing him, until he asked to stop. Third time I got on him he threw a buck so big my friend (instructed to call 911 first, my husband second) turned white and her mouth fell open in shock all I could see was ground in front of me for a while, but again I stuck and then hopped off and really laid into him with all the anger and venom I could muster; I shook my finger in his face and yelled at him for maybe another three minutes, backed him fully into a corner and continued to yell at him ... again until he had asked to stop. I mounted up once more fully expecting his next buck to kill me, I asked him to walk and he walked slowly and carefully! It was over, he did anything I asked of him and happily. No more bucks.
The caveat is that we had an established trusting relationship already. Just letting him know I was not pleased with his actions was indeed enough. It took the 'three times', but it worked, and I think I was actually more surprised than my friend that it worked. Course you have to be able to safety jump off too though for this one to work. :} I have a young mare that went into a bucking fit after I'd asked her to canter (turned out to be a saddle that was too tight on her), after realizing she was bucking across the arena and not cantering (yuck-yuck) I simply asked her to 'knock it off' and she stopped. Again, we have an established trusting relationship.
Be cautious of course and careful, but these things can be worked through, it just takes time and a bit of effort, possibly skill though tbh I am not that good a rider. The thought of a horse bucking literally terrifies me. True, it's true.
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Member:
jadamy
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Posted on Friday, May 30, 2008 - 7:04 am:
Terri-
I loved your story and agree totally. One thing my girl friend and I noticed (she went with us to look at her) was that this mare sought me out. In the round pen she came to me several times over her owner and after she threw my husband :-) she came straight to me. My friend and I kind of wonder if she maybe doesn't like men!
None the less I agree with the theory that a horse that mis behaves is trying to tell you something. I just need to be patient and slow with her so she can tell me some other way then half killing me! There is no such thing as a mean horse, just a misunderstood horse.
Nicole- My husband was trying to get her head turned but had no way to get it because of the bridle that was being used. We are going to use an o-ring snaffle on her. Maybe it was just our in experience or just a bad system but that norvelle (spelling) bitless bridle seemed more harsh then a bit! It was hard metal hanging on her nose. When she starts bucking and you try to pull her head up I can just imagine the pain on her nose.
Thanks all for the responses!
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Friday, May 30, 2008 - 8:50 am:
Jennifer,
I suggest a full check snaffle as the o ring can slide through a horses mouth.
I have mare who's almost 6 and has had on and off again training. She can buck and rear, grunt and squeal, and race around at unbelievable speeds when first saddled. I debated should I let her get it out of her system? Um..well, how many days are we going to do this? So then I started putting the line on her, and tugging with a sharp NO followed by calming "easy, girl." Still didn't stop the repeat rodeo performance everyday. So now I've gone back to square one and we are going very slow with everything, and she's not allowed to even trot with the saddle on until I say it's time to trot. So far, it seems that's working and she's forgetting about trying to get the mountain lion off her back. She's never bucked with me on her because she exhuasted herself bucking first without me. But that's not how I want her to be for the rest of her life. She's also very gentle and smart, so like your horse, just take your time. 4 is very young yet, many people believe you shouldn't even canter a 4 year old. So I'd go back to square one, and then with riding, lots of walking, a few strides of trot, walk, flexing, moving hindquarters over, etc. Keep it interesting!
And, before riding her, ask her to jump over some barrels while saddled. It's a new feeling with the saddle on their backs when they flex their backs to jump.
One last thing, I've gone full circle with my ideas. I used to lunge, teach voice commands, ground drive. Then came round pen mania, lateral flexing, one rein stop til you DrOp! Now I am back to doing more ground driving with some of the other elements. I say this because you can do soooo much ground driving, or even on a lunge line. (and it's good exercise too )
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Member:
terrido
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Posted on Friday, May 30, 2008 - 11:17 am:
It is very possible she doesn't like men, true. Possibly she would just like to be yours, and she may never give you any "trouble" at all. ;] Kinda like my gelding. That day was MY mistake, not his, and I knew it, I knew when I got back on him and I definitely knew it when I dismounted - knowing that the bucks were going to be there and in spades next time. *sigh* But then I know him very well.
The suggestion to use a full cheek snaffle is a good one. Many horses respond very favorably to this type of bit, tho I do always recommend you use full cheek "keepers" with one.
And just keep in mind that she is still very much a baby at age 4!! Both physically and especially mentally. In another 4 or 5 years she may well be an entirely different horse.
With a youngster you do have to allow them to get their energy out before asking them to "work", this may mean turnout before saddling, or longing before mounting. Let her get all her excess exuberance done and mostly over with before you get on her and ask her to do anything.
That and consistent, regular "work" sessions, kept rather short initially, will help. Horses respond to and love "regimentation" more or less. So the more consistent you can be with the time of day, and length of time, you work with her, and the frequency, the happier and calmer overall she will be. If you plan to work her four to five days a week and maybe eventually ride once or twice during those weeks, great! Just pick the days, stick to those days and at first always show up at the same time. Make it more or less a routine, something she can count on. It just makes it so much easier at first.
Variation can happen later! LOL
But yes allow her to have her 'say', allow her to be a youngster, allow her to express herself as she needs to. Be her teacher and her friend, one that loves her and guides. Go slow, and build a strong relationship on the ground before ever climbing on her. Maybe a full year of working only on the ground before asking her to carry you. Keep it a regular routine, or as regular as you can make it for her.
Have fun!
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Member:
chrism
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Posted on Friday, May 30, 2008 - 7:02 pm:
I would want to rule out saddle fit as an issue.
I would have her vetted.
I would start her all over again, as if she had never been ridden. That is, ground work for a month, then build up to riding in RP after ground work, etc. Wide open fields would be at least 6 months down the training road, with a settled, well behaved horse as an example.
I would use a round pen or lunging extensively.
I would try to always end on my terms.
If I was bounced off, I would work her from the ground, if able. Bucking does not equal end of work.
She would be quite tired before I even got on.
My safety would come first.
That said, at my age I wouldn't have her as a retraining prospect.
The alternative is to put her in training with someone who can do this in a humane fashion.
A cheap horse is just as expensive to keep as an expensive horse. An unrideable horse is just as expensive to keep as a rideable one. Some bargains are not.
Cheers.
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Member:
jadamy
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Posted on Saturday, May 31, 2008 - 10:00 am:
Chris-
I am in no way looking for a cheap horse. I see a misunderstood mare that will be abused in the wrong hands. She needs some one to see the good horse in there and be patient with her.
If it were pain related to saddle fit or medical, wouldn't it be a bucking fit everytime some one got on her? The man said that some of the best rides he ever had he had on her. The bucks came sporadic. I have thought of it being cycle related so we are going to try some mare supplements. Bottom line everything will be ruled out with her
Everyone has offered great advice, thank you so much. i will update send an update as we begin working with her.
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Member:
chrism
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Posted on Saturday, May 31, 2008 - 4:58 pm:
Sorry if I sounded abrupt. I was more concerned from the safety angle.
I have only what you've written to go on. But what you described about the guy who you are buying her from doesn't sound like she has been particularly misunderstood or rushed in her training to give her cause to buck so spectacularly.
I do think a saddle with a subtle or not so subtle problem could cause random problems depending on the problem - if the tree is loose or cracked, if the padding is lumpy, if the fit is poor ... variable responses by the horse could be related to how the horse is being asked to work, the "feel" of the rider in the saddle, the small variations of the placement of the saddle on the horse, etc. Perhaps the issue is with the blanket and various blankets are being used, etc.
There could be physical reasons for her bucking response, too, which could cause a random response. (Think of kissing spine, pinched nerve, etc.) Which I why I'd want to have her vetted before investing my time and energy and love in an animal.
I speak from some experience. My old gal was a bucker. I started her myself, so I would not have known. I was a much younger person then and she has always been sensitive. I would ride a bucking episode out by pulling her head up and sending her forward very aggressively. Often I would find it in me to correct her verbally, too. Most times I stayed on. The work always continued (except when I broke a collar bone.) Her behavior improved over time, but you can never trust her 100%, even as a 25 yo. I did realize her saddle did not fit as she muscled up the first year, so I think a random pinch as she did assorted things would set her off - i.e. she would buck often after a jump. I probably could have started her better, slower, more incrementally, but her personality is what it is, too.
My younger horse is not a bucker. She is sensitive, but much more forgiving of rider mistakes. I do trust her as far as you can trust any horse.
I don't get dumped often, but the last time was two years ago when the old gal flipped me head over teacup when we had a miscommunication.
I don't like falling off. I have been hurt. There are lots of good horses in the world. While the old horse and I have had many good times together, I believe it is the nature of some horses to buck, some quite spectacularly.
I would also be wary that I was not getting the whole story, given her price.
Be careful. Go cautiously. Look out for your and your hubby.
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Member:
paardex
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Posted on Sunday, Jun 1, 2008 - 4:15 am:
By no means trying to hyjack this discussion but Chris's training schedule interests me very much as I am going to start all over with my gelding Cascade. He bucks like an idiot[well in Europe we don't have rodeo horses] has done so from the moment I tried to put a single on and with the saddle he got really dangerous apart from the bucking[and believe me a 1.70m elastic Holsteiner bucks as good as any rodeo horse] he very dangerously lashes out with his hind legs[understandable a showjumper is bred to throw out is hind end to avoid touching the bars but really dangerous]
He was trained for six months professionally and ridden and behaved well but the rider was always alert, the slightest scare and off he would go if not contained by his rider.
I wonder now after reading these posts do you think some horses are prone to bucking and like the old mare will always have to be ridden carefully or do they overcome it after a long and patient training?
Jennifer is your goal to have a horse for 'everybody' in a while or do you retrain her but just for yourself and your husband being good riders?
Jos
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Member:
chrism
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Posted on Monday, Jun 2, 2008 - 10:48 am:
Hi Jos,
I think horses do better with some riders than others. I think riders do better with some horses than others.
I think many horses have a "resistance" (natural or learned) that has worked well for them, as do humans. For example, when I am tired, stressed, overworked, I'll whine and be a bit balky - it makes me feel better to complain. When my old mare is tired, stressed, overworked or over faced, she may buck. Likely she feels better after, too.
You get the idea.
Recently a friend of mine gave up on her horse. Nicely bred, big, beautiful horse. But he seemed to have her number and she, over time, collected a series of dumping events that intimidated her and eroded her trust in him. He was finally and sadly, sold on at a bargain basement price. My bet is that he'll work out fine with a different rider with a different temperament. But he will likely have bucking in his arsenal of tricks should he need to protest something.
I guess it is no different than humans connecting. The woman or man who thinks they can change the basic nature of their mate is kidding themselves.
Over time, I've come to believe it is better to have a horse that is well matched to the rider than to tough it out and try to change the horse to suit the rider. Today, I don't think I would have put up with my old gals hijinks. And I am thankful my youngster is such a sweetie pie.
The purpose of having a horse may vary for some, but it is essentially for enjoyment. A horse that scares you is not enjoyable. A horse you cannot use for the purpose you had in mind is not enjoyable.
Horses have become very expensive to maintain. In the US they are being abandoned at an alarming rate due to the economy.
I think it is important to be realistic and practical about owning a horse and be willing to have an exit plan if the relationship is not pleasurable.
One person's point of view after 40+ years in horses.
Cheers.
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Member:
paardex
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Posted on Monday, Jun 2, 2008 - 1:08 pm:
Thanks Chris, you gave me food for thought.You are right, Jennifers situation is different from mine, she seems to buy a horse that doesn't daunt her and she chooses to retrain[am I right Jennifer?]
I have a horse that frightens me. I have been frightened for a long time by the horses we bred and put up with them because first my ex supplied money for showjumpers best quality I could 'make'and second as soon as they are on the premises I love and care for them. So the most difficult stayed. Buyers preferred the easier ones[strange isn't it?]
But he is here and as in another thread I stated I will once more give it a try.
Be very careful with him and work Bartock[the older dressage horse] for fun, hope he keeps me confident enough.
What I would really love and what would help me tremendously is hear from you Jennifer how you progress and how you worked on that.
I will start my own thread and update on Cascade as soon as we managed to achieve something and ask for a the next step from the trainers on this board.
This morning I started the round pen only halt and walk relaxed part you adviced Chris.
Honestly after 35 years horses I feel a bit old for this but I suppose it is Cascades best shot at finding an owner who is happy with him if I manage to retrain him to the point he doesn't explode all the time and is frightened by everything.
Wish you would buy him to Jennifer....
Jos
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Member:
jadamy
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Posted on Monday, Jun 2, 2008 - 1:43 pm:
Wish you would buy him to Jennifer... 
My intent is to make this horse one that is suitable for me and my husband and a few other select people. We own 10 horses now and the majority of our horses I can put anyone on and be very confident they will have a great ride. We have a few that are only for me to ride, they are a handful but I enjoy them more then the easier ones, and I think they enjoy me more then they would a less experienced rider. I agree with Chris, it is a partnership and you can't lie to a horse. I see something in this mare. I could be completely wrong but I do see it. My instincts have never failed me on that. Every horse I have purchased I felt something special before I ever saw them perform. My very first horse (graduating from evil ponies) was when I was 12, he was an Anglo Arab. The girl sold him because he ran off on her, wouldn't turn left out of the driveway, reared, etc. After a few months of him realizing I could out last him, we had a great relationship until I was 18 and sold him to a friend. My mother thought he was crazy the first week we had him and wanted to get rid of him. He knew how to push a button and got away with it. We also learned he was proud cut (still had one testicle that had not DrOpped) After he went through a fence to mount a few mares! Every horse has a story, sometimes we find it ,sometimes we don't.
I will post my progress with her as we go. We picked her up Saturday. She is by herself now for a few weeks, then we will slowly introduce her to the herd. She unfortunatly met our Stallion last night by mistake (my son left the fence off!) She gave him quite a hassle through the fence. Luckily we have a very good stallion or my question on breeding her would have already been answered!
Chris, I appreciate your insight and enjoyed reading your post. Riding a horse you trust, especially as you get older, is much more enjoyable! After seeing her a our home I think the man may have been too timid with her where she needs a stronger dominance. He did not abuse her at all but this was his first horse and he was an older man, maybe in his late 40's to early 50's. Not a good time to start with a young horse!
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New Member:
pamb
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Posted on Monday, Jun 2, 2008 - 1:50 pm:
Our farrier purchased a really nice gelding as a backup rope horse (great bloodlines, excellent conformation and just a beautiful guy) named Bucky. Our farrier can ride the heck out of a horse. Used to be a bronc rider in his younger years. Now he's a roper, thus, the need for Bucky. He was completely vetted (the guy's wife is a vet) and everything was great.
After getting to know this guy, our farrier went to roping practice. Bucky busted loose and dumped him on the ground, head first. The farrier gets back on and has no more problems, for a while. After getting dumped a couple more times during the summer, Bucky was taken back to the basics (from ground work to RP, etc) and things seemed okay, until one day, at a roping, our farrier gets dumped again. So, off Bucky goes to a "professional" trainer for help. Once again, here come the basic lessons & Bucky does well, passes all his classes and goes home. The farrier, wary of Bucky's foolishness, goes to a roping and is the "flag-man". Things go well until once again, Bucky really lets one rip and not only bucks his rider off, manages to get 3 other ropers into a wreck at the same time.
So, Bucky the Wonderhorse, goes up for sale with full disclosure about the bucking tendencies. A local "I can ride everything" gal decides to purchase Bucky as her show horse. Says "He just needs someone who knows how to ride to work with him". Alrightey then! So, Bucky ends up in the show ring. Tosses Miss I'ma Hot Rider during the show, twice.
I'm happy to report that Bucky the Wonderhorse can be seen by appointment in the pasture for private viewings of the installation entitled "Living Pasture Art"!
Moral of the story, some horses just buck, it's not a matter of "if they will", but "when they will". Life's too short to ride dangerous horses!
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Member:
chrism
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Posted on Monday, Jun 2, 2008 - 3:11 pm:
Hmm. I started my younger horse when I was 47 ... and I'd start another horse if I needed one, 8 years later. I just go very slowly.
To all with project horses - be careful, listen to your inner voice and try to show any horse what they can do and say yes to. Don't be a cream puff, be a confident, calm leader.
Lots of good riding zen headed your way.
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Member:
sureed
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Posted on Monday, Jun 2, 2008 - 3:20 pm:
LOL Pam, you are a great story teller. Didn't anyone notice that this horse's name was "Bucky?"
Chris you make great points especially about a vet check. I would also recommend a visit from a reputable chiropractor or horse masseuse (sp?). My 14-year old Hanoverian mare is now living in FL on a mare share program. When I bought this mare, I was told she had EPM as a youngster, and therefore never had a performance career. She was slightly ataxic behind but did really well moving around our rolling pastures and has given me two nice foals so far. Her new co-owner is a big believer in natural horsemanship and massage. She had her expert come work on D'Lady when she arrived from CA and design a continuing therapy program for her. The degree of cervical misalignment she found on the first treatment made her wonder whether D'Lady actually had ever had EPM. The transformation has been so great that her new co-owner wants to try putting her under saddle. This is all to say that a good chiropractic exam and massage treatment may be a big help to this mare. Under any circumstances, all that bucking may have thrown something out of line. At least you will know you have started with as clean a slate as possible. Keep us posted Jennifer.
Suzanne
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Monday, Jun 2, 2008 - 4:06 pm:
Great stories, and great points made by all; loved the story of Bucky!
I sometimes wonder what it is about a troubled horse or a horse that has issues that is so intriqing when there are so many horses out there that we can get on and ride anytime, anywhere, and know the horse will be the same each time? I had one of those once in my life, and she was the one I (and everyone else) rode out of the yard to actually go riding. But yet nowI have one very troubled challenging horse that I just love, but have yet to ride; another one I don't have time for and she was never meant to be my horse, and a 3rd one that I don't actually enjoy but I've had her forever, and one that I can go out riding on.
O.k., I need my head examined! Carry on with the original post please, lol!
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Member:
terrido
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Posted on Monday, Jun 2, 2008 - 4:26 pm:
 Easy Angie! Because we need to learn from them, that's why. That and I'll bet that secretly you love a good challenge. *wink*
you are NOT alone....
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New Member:
pamb
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Posted on Monday, Jun 2, 2008 - 5:17 pm:
Yeah, I asked my farrier that question about the name. He's got some high falootin' registered name, but somehow, Bucky just stuck!
This is a funny story. Unfortunately, it's 100% true! I think about Bucky whenever I'm getting dumped on my butt!
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Member:
juliem
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Posted on Monday, Jun 2, 2008 - 5:29 pm:
OUCH! "he was an older man, maybe in his late 40's to early 50's. Not a good time to start with a young horse!" Jenifer, you must learn diplomacy! I'm 61 with four yearlings and I know I"m not the oldest member on this board! LOL My oldest horse is an 8 year old shetland! Everything else is YOUNG! Many of us "older" individuals have valuable experience that has led to a certain amount of wisdom that outweighs youthfulness! Not to mention, we have a healthier respect for injury and enough imagination to picture lots of scenarios youngsters overlook. Not really scolding you although I admit it sounds that way!
Next point, someone once told me if a horse's name is buck and he's not a buckskin, don't get on him!
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Member:
dtranch
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Posted on Monday, Jun 2, 2008 - 6:35 pm:
Just catching up on this thread and wanted to add a few ideas or comments. My first thought is 6 to 8 hour trail rides as a 3 year old is pretty demanding stuff. She may just be worried that it is going to happen again if she doesn't do something about it. doesn't take long to sour a young horse.
Health has already been mentioned,but just wanted to bring it up again. Teeth, saddle fit, type of bit, etc. all need to be ruled out.
You mentioned the man controlling her feet "all without the lunge" ... does she do well with lunging? I work sending exercises for control and to calm the horse. Not a lot of running, but control and direction changes calmly. I will work on sending the horse in all different places and around obstacles on the lunge. I want the horse to learn how to read me, and accept my leadership.
I would use a full cheek snaffle and work on getting really good at the one rein stop .. both because it really calms the horse, but also because it will be you emergency brake when needed when the bucking starts. When the horse starts to buck, I immediately apply the one rein stop accompanied by a firm verbal reprimand.
Finally, I would keep my sessions short and sweet. Work on something you are both good at, lots of opportunity to reward good behavior and quit on a good note. Hopefully, you will be done with a really good and satisfying workout before the bucking actually starts. Add to your time and your workout each week. Give your horse lots of opportunities to do the right thing and be good. I wouldn't be surprised if the bucking thing never showed up again.
Just some thoughts to add to all the good ideas above.
DT
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Monday, Jun 2, 2008 - 9:04 pm:
Terrie,
You got me figured out, lol! Wish my husband would understand that having some half dead horse out in the barn just don't cut it for me.
Julie,
I did name a horse Bucky once, because I thought he was a brave little Buckeroo, and he didn't buck either. But point well taken for future reference.
And ya, those of us who are just hitting the top of the hill and not rolling down the other side yet, well, those young horses keep us hopping. And we have to have lots of common sense because the ground is so much harder than it was 20 years ago!
I'd still like to adopt a mustang in this life time!
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Member:
paardex
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Posted on Tuesday, Jun 3, 2008 - 3:51 am:
Ah a mustang Ann yes I would love to meet them not adopt them[unles as 'yard art'?]Seeing them in freedom/nature must be wonderfull.
Loved the Bucky story!
Jos
PS I don't think the age thing is SO important I just get more experienced and more prudentThat makes up for being older
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Member:
jadamy
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Posted on Tuesday, Jun 3, 2008 - 8:06 am:
"Jenifer, you must learn diplomacy! I'm 61 with four yearlings and I know I"m not the oldest member on this board!"
You are so right! I did not mean it the way it came across. What I meant was this was his first experience with horses. The green rider green horse theory. Not to mention as it has been said, as we get older that ground gets harder!! I know when I was in my 20's, getting bucked off a horse was no big deal. In my 40's with kids and responsibilities, I think of how hard that ground is and what it can do. Nothing shakes an experienced rider up more then a good explosion, image what it does for the confidence of an inexperienced rider! You can't lie to horses. I am sure every time he got back on her after a good buck she could feel the nerves. A young horse looks to the rider to gain their confidence, if it is not there...they have none themselves and get pretty wound up. Hence the bucking in my theory.
Denise you said...My first thought is 6 to 8 hour trail rides as a 3 year old is pretty demanding stuff.
I agree and have thought of that. If she was not in shape for that it would be like me running a marathon without training. I am sure her muscles were sore and fatigued. I see that a lot in my area, young trail horses ridden on too long of a ride before they are conditioned properly. I won't even ride my seasoned trail horse for long rides without the proper conditioning.
Angie- it is the challenges that teach us the art of horsemanship! I have learned more from a difficult horse then I have from an easy one. Nothing worth having comes easy!
Loved the bucky story We are trying to think of a new name barn name for her and have come up with some that may jinks her like the "bucky" one did. I think there is a lot in a name. Maybe I should name her "sweetie"
 . My husband had a horse named "'flasher"' at one time. The poor guy got struck by lightning. Ever since then I am a little more thoughtful with my names. Superstitious...YOU BET!
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Member:
terrido
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Posted on Tuesday, Jun 3, 2008 - 10:55 am:
Jennifer, yup too true! Be very careful what you name a horse because they do tend to live up to what we call them. I think "Sweetie" is a fabulous name!
Best of luck with her, I am sure she'll settle out and be just fine with you.
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Member:
jowidner
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Posted on Tuesday, Jun 3, 2008 - 2:13 pm:
Pam, you do tell a great story! Dr. O, what about having a "best stories" section similar to the "best tips and tricks" section? It would make for great reading and education too!
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Tuesday, Jun 3, 2008 - 9:29 pm:
Jo Ann, Check out the headings in the Art and Inspiration section.
DrO
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Member:
erika
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Posted on Wednesday, Jun 4, 2008 - 4:49 pm:
Terri, too bad I named my mare "Sugar"--she's had nothing but problems with sugar metabolism lately!!
Seems you can't win...
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