This is an archived Horseadvice.com Discussion. The parent article and menus are available on the navigation menu below:
HorseAdvice.com » Training, Behavior, & Conditioning Horses » Behavioral Problems » The Bucking Horse »
  Discussion on Bucking - Pain or Behavioral Issue?
Author Message
New Member:
Mulelvr

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 2, 2005 - 2:10 pm:

DrO, I just purchased a new mule from a reputable ranch in Texas. She arrived and we spent the first week doing ground based fundamentals. She's responsive, willing and sweet. I rode her at a walk in the round pen briefly without issue. We trailered her out to a nice flat trail riding place. I noticed a couple little stumbles when leading her to the hitching rail but didn't think anything of it. I saddled her, walked her in a couple big circles, she tripped/stumbled (there was nothing visible on the ground to trip on) went on her knees, got up and gave me the bronc ride of my life. I stayed on, got her under control, dismounted, checked tack and hand walked her to see if I noticed anything unusual. She had a little stumble again and briefly picked up her front right foot, held it up, set it down and was fine. No limping, no nervousness, nothing. I changed saddles and my husband rode her in the round pen at a walk and trot. No problem. We hit the trail. She was calm the entire way. All of a sudden, the bronc was back and she nearly threw him into a tree. Again, she was completely calm before and after. He mounted again and we were on our way back and this time she bolted forward, ran into the lead horse and continued bucking until he was off. Still no visible signs of pain before or after. Granted, she is new to us so its not as if we are familiar enough with her to notice something is off, but none of the universal head bobbing, hip lifting, ear pinning, you know what I mean. The seller was floored and said they never experienced this. He's willing to pay for vet exam/chiro exam, etc. or to trade me for another mule of my choice. I've looked at your bucking posts and the lameness/spinal cord, etc. articles and posts. They get my gears turning but don't entirely fit my situation. Both times were on flat ground, no spooks or anything like that. What do you think? Does it sound like pain or an animal testing the ability of its rider(s)? The vet is coming today and the chiro tomorrow. If I have any interest in keeping this girl I'll need to get back on at some point and see what happens. As a mom of 3, with the youngest being 4 months, I don't have time for injuries!!! Thanks DrO.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Nov 3, 2005 - 8:29 am:

Hello Christy,
Stumbling is not specific for lameness or neurological disease. With a lack of other clinical signs between the bronc events I have to say it sounds like an animal testing the ability of the riders but if you need to be sure you should have a thorough back/lameness/neuro exam done. How old is this mule? It is not uncommon for young equines to back up on their training when faced with new situations.
DrO
Home Page | Top of Page | Join Us!
Horseadvice.com is a BBB Accredited Business. Click for the BBB Business Review of this Horse Training in Stokesdale NC