Bucking can be triggered by many factors. But since you are mainly referring to emotional triggers in the video let's consider those as a cause. You discuss helping a horse turn a bucking response into a productive positive movement response. I agree we want to provide a horse an alternative to bucking. But what I think needs to be considered is that bucking (caused by extreme emotions) is a type of panic response. The thing that turns a discomfort into panic response is the lack of realization by the horse that the discomfort is not forever. Eg, when you first saddle a horse, it would not buck if it knew in 2 seconds time the girth will be loosened and the saddle removed. But we don't do that. We leave it fitted and allow the panic to set in. We don't remove the saddle until the bucking stops. We don't teach a horse that the saddle is not forever or the rider on top is not forever or picking up a foot, being in a trailer, being tied to a post, riding down the road away from friends, is not forever. The lack of awareness by a horse that the first time we pick up a foot or snug a saddle on its back is not forever is what turns discomfort into panic (bucking, rearing, pulling aware, kicking, bolting, etc). When we explain to a horse that something new is not forever, we then have a much better chance of avoiding the panic and directing the feet in a productive way. I hope I have not been confusing. Cheers
My gentle horse was utterly terrorized at a boarding stable that made him afraid of other horses. In the outdoor turn out pens the manager insisted on putting the most psychotic animals with him “because he was quiet”. I knew nothing about it until the day I arrived to find him covered with blood from bite marks. Needless to say we moved, but the damage was done. He went from quietly doing everything with no problems to bucking and kicking whenever he felt crowded. It took me nearly 2 years of a mixture of patience and firmness to get him to a reasonable place. His trust in me in knowing I wouldn’t put him in a trapped position was a big factor. At our new stable people used to be annoyed when I asked them not to ride up our rear end or pass so close they would practically clink stirrups (you would think they had a brain, but apparently not). I resorted to riding with my whip sticking straight out indicating a safe distance. Or they could get kicked. It was their choice. The stable owner was very good about letting people know our circumstances and it got better. But I still won’t ride him in a crowded arena as I can sense his anxiety in those situations.
Another consideration is whether the horse may have stomach ulcers. This was my experience with my Icelandic mare and I'm so grateful her trainer suggested getting her scoped. Since successful treatment she is healthy and happy.
Those thoughts on bucking were actually super helpful- and made a lot of sense to me, especially in regard to one of my horses who came to me with a buck! Thank you for sharing these insights!!!
Perfect description! Love it! Thanks! It is so much better to show the horse what to do in a bind, rather than trying to make him accept it and shut down!
Most bucking problems I have encountered have come from poor fitting saddles. Get a certified saddle fitter,and create a good relationship with your horse from the ground. Do not hand feed your horse, you are not making a friend, you are lowering your status with him. Take the time you need. Get a good trainer, and one as the same gender as your self. Spend the money on the training, you don't want to loose your confidence to save some money.
The mare in my profile picture was what I considered living her life braced for a car accident. I began a restart on her with the help of my mentor. The first time I saddle her my mentor had her hind foot with a lariat dallied to his saddle horse. As soon I got the front cinch done up he put slack in the lariat and she went straight up into the air. I had her in hand so when she was off the ground I'd pop her tail. Once she stopped I did up the back cinch and it was off to the rodeo again. Everytime afterwards saddling a little easier. She's gone from broncing to squirming to standing quiet and even sighing when I bring the cinch up. I spent the first summer had her saddling her every day. I'd saddle her, feed her and let her wear it til evening. I know she carries that tightness with her. If I am not careful I can bring it out. When she starts to feel tight and I'm on her back I get her into a good trot and use whatever is around that I can go over or around. Snake trails and circles. I have a night latch and a Cheyenne roll and I've used them and moved her forward through the bronc. I never will take her for granted. Although I have never come off her, tomorrow I could be late and she could buck me off and that would be it. None the less, this horse has taught me so much. I hope when it's all said and done she sees me as her friend like see her as mine. I hope when she is called home to god she feels like she got a fair deal. Thank you Joseph for the thoughtful video. Just wanted to share my story with my mare, Penny.
Are you related to the Newcombs in Nova Scotia? My older sister knew them and rode their horses all the time. All I remember about them at the time is that they were very rich and had great horses
I really enjoy your videos, but the music in the background of this one made it hard for me to isolate your words. Could be just because I’m old, but I like it better without the music.
