How Do I Stop My Horse From Bucking? |
Oh how we love to hear from our readers/searchers and yesterday we got asked a question so good that I felt that I had to post it on our blog.
Dee writes:
I’ve had my horse for about 5 years now. And when he used to buck I’d do what they told me to do in college which is run him in the round pen until he didn’t even want to move any more almost then I get on and ride for a I’ll and get off. But the last few times I got thrown off I landed on my head and got concussions and when I try to run him afterwards I can’t for too long. What do I do in these cases?
Dee, you ask a great question and we might suggest:
1) wear a helmet (I’m guessing you’re already doing this)
2) could the horse be in some kind of pain? I’m told horses buck, not usually to be ordinary but rather as a result of something that’s uncomfortable to them. If the saddle and saddle page are properly fitted and you’re riding the horse properly, perhaps the reason is some kind of discomfort or pain that is otherwise not evident.
Moonshine reared up and dumped me off once and it was a pretty scary experience, not to mention dangerous. Please do research why your horse is doing this for your safety and those around you. Let us know what you find, please.
You ride with your reins short enough to allow the horse to have freedom of its head but short enough that you can pull on one rein quicky but smoothly. This disengages the horse’s hind quarters and he won’t be able to buck. Then school him in circles quietly making move his ribcage and shoulders because you have your inside leg cueing him over. Release your leg pressure while keeping his nose bent towards your knee he or she will stop when ready to think and relax. Then allow him to walk forward.
Some horses are actually scared when they pick up too much speed. Your horse may lack the balance required. Work slower on increasing and decreasing circles to help the horse learn good self carriage. Slow and steady movement with great control is often overlooked by amateur riders. If your horse can’t do an exercise slow he certainly can’t do it fast.
Take your time, relax, enjoy!
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This article was written by Charis Alexandra on Tuesday, May 5th, 2009 for Horse Searchers
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