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DevynPayge: 5 months ago

How do you get your horse to stop kicking and jumping when you start cantering?

My horse, Thunder, started kicking and bucking when I start cantering or loping. He started doing this when I got another horse 5 months ago. I use them for barrel racing. I haven't been using him at all any more for the past 4 months. He has been ridden, but whenever I speed him up, he'll start going wild... An employee at Horsetown suggested that a get a chiropractor. I don't know why he does it. I have thought that he may be jealous and I have spent a lot of time with him but he doesn't stop! I thought that maybe I should run him around an arena until he stops jumping. Any suggestions? I really have no idea what to do.

Thank you :)

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Answer 1

MissRia: 5 months ago

I had this problem with two of my horses. The first horse it was that the saddle didn't fit. He grew out of it so it was too narrow for his shoulders. Typically people put the saddle too far up on the horses shoulders and it pinches them.Is he cinchy? Make sure the saddle fits first. Second make sure you're sitting right and moving with your horse at the canter. Sit on your balance point. If those things don't clean it up, try to determine whether your horse is scared, or dominant when he does it. And try to work the problem out on ground first. When he goes to buck when you're on him pull his head around gently and bend him in to a full stop and don't let his head go until his emotions change. You're looking for a change in his mind, then his feet. Do that every time he bucks, and then ask again. Just make sure you're not jerking his head around when you bend him! Do it smoothly and calmly, but quickly. I hope some of this helps, good luck :D

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DevynPayge: 5 months ago

I have lunged him and he seemed perfectly fine doing that. Maybe it is the saddle. I just don't understand why he started doing this now. I've ridden him just like I have ever since I had him. He was prefect just earlier this year, and now for no reason he started acting like this. But it defiantly could be the saddle. I will try pulling his head around! :)

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MissRia: 5 months ago

Also you should check out http://www.parellinaturalhorsetraining.com/. I use their natural horsemanship program and it's done wonders for my horses and I. They have a few articles on their website about bucking and such that you can look at.

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Answer 2

boo153: 5 months ago via iPhone

It sounds like there is a problem with the saddle (pinching or broken tree, loose screws/etc)
Or he is really sore and could benefit from a chiropractor
I'm assuming he stays well balanced since you've run barrels in him before. Barrels are awfully stressful on their joints and such.

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