I'm working with a paso fino gelding. he is really stubborn and he recently started bucking what should i do??

Question

he is a good horse he just acts up under saddle

he starts bucking as soon as i get on him I'm not the best rider in the world but im ok he just wont listen. he used to be really lazy but he finally started to gait now he just wont stop and thats on a good day he isn't my horse i am working at the farm and i'm 15 years old and need help so any suggestions are higly appreciated

Answer 1

He is probably getting muscle sore after each ride. Look for hidden lameness and shorten the length of time you are riding him each day

Answer 2

Rule out any physical rasons for the misbehavior:

Have a pro check his saddle fit. Be aware the more fit he gets, the more muscles he'll develop. Muscles = needing a wider tree saddle.

When was the last time his teeth were done? Sharp tips on teeth plus pulling on a metal bit = pain

Also be sure to rule out any other physical sources of pain such as a bad back.

Then it may come down to a training/behavior issue. He may be pushed to work the same routine over and over and if he hesitates maybe his owner was whacking him hard with spurs. Or if hes young, some of this may be honest frustration. I've seen where a rider has far too much contact which stops the horse, but she's kicking him, and he has nowhere to go but up.

What you dont want to do is to keep getting bucked off him. He'll develop this as a long-term habit. If you cant stop the bucking and/or cant stay in the saddle, turn him over to a pro to train.

Answer 3

Sounds like it could be a saddle or bridle problem, but more likely to be saddle - check it isn't pinching him somewhere, or too tight or something. Does he buck when you lunge him saddled, or just when ridden. If it's when ridden could be that the weight of a rider is putting pressure on him. Get his back checked first then look at the tack. Go back to ground work, how old is he? See if there's a pattern with when he bucks, if he appears stubborn, it could be another indication of a back or saddle problem that he is uncomfortable and won't go forward - don't use a whip or spurs, you need to find out what the problem is first. the horse is telling you that there's a problem, so look at back and tack before thinking he's acting up.

Hope that helps

Answer 4

Yeah - make sure it's not the saddle or something you are doing. As the other answer said, try Parelli or Monty Roberts. They both have websites. Also, try lunging your horse a bit before you ride. I don't believe in lunging your horse to exhaustion, but I'm a big believer in lunging so if the horse has any bucks (energy) in him he gets it out before I'm on his back. Try spinning some circles -but don't be harsh. Remember, always praise lots. The more you praise the happier they will be to work. Also, if you praise a lot and discipline rarely, any discipline you do give will be very effective and immediately effective. I've heard if the horse is moving at a walk (especially in a circle) it is impossible for them to buck. If you are still having problems try a reliable professional trainer. Hope everything get's better!

Answer 5

I'd definitely say to check your tack, even your bridle. I'd try a treeless saddle. I recommend Bob Marshal Treeless western saddles and Ansur Dressage/Jumping saddles. My horses have been much happier treeless. If the problem isn't with the tack, look to the horse. Does he maybe have a sore back or legs? Is there any stiffness anywhere? Maybe try having a chiropractor out to see him. Another thing to look at is yourself. The horse is our mirror. You said he's stubborn. Do you wear spurs or carry a crop to counteract that? Could he be responding to spurring or tapping?

If none of these ideas help, try a new training system. I use parts of Parelli Natural Horsemanship, especially groundwork. Pat has lots of suggestions for training horses with 'too much whoa.' lol. It worked for my mom's stubborn mare. She's actually quite responsive now, but it's taken a couple years.

Answer 6

Well i'm not sure about the details of the training but if this is beginning training then you should really start with ground work. Loungeing at walk/trot/canter is a good way to start to gain his respect for you. When you get on him make sure he is calm and submissive. Ask him to drop his head so his poll is level and his nose is slightly tucked. Also when travelling keep his inside eye turn SLIGHTLY in. It is not natural at first for a horse to hold his head this way but it teaches them to travel correctly. Also always stay on top of him. I have a horse that is very challenging. Whenever he gets bored, that is when he acts up under saddle. To keep them thinking on riding give occasional half haults and reminders. When your horse does act up turn the horse in a small circle. Horses cant buck when they are going in circles. When going in the circle make sure that you are controlling him. Use pressure with your inside leg and pull your inside rein and keep the head down. As soon as you feel your horse has begun listening send him straight on again. I hope i helped!

Answer 7

i think he just needs alot of riding... to "break" him in, be firm but gentil with him, when he bucks keep his head up high, so that his bucks aren't as powerful (you see rodeo horses with their heads nearly touching the ground) what i used to do when my horse bucked, and it worked for him, was pulling him into a circle, so that he had to watch his feet so that he wouldnt trip and fall, instead of bucking... good luck to you, be sure to check your saddle too, as it might be hurting him, causing his misbehavior... but im thinking that he might not be getting ridden daily.. you've got to teach him that you are the boss(with out being really mean) and when you say go, he goes. If you have a chance, go to the library and see if you can find a book on natural horsemanship training, perhaps a book by Pat Parelli, I study him and me and my horses do great now. you just gotta know how to "talk" to your horse. hope this helps!!

Answer 8

I may not know too much yet about horses but what i can tell you is to be patient and to spend a lot of time with him and just sit and watch him. Get him knowing that you are gonna take control.

Answer 9

It's hard to give you an answer because your not telling me when he bucks when you ride him. Is it when you first get on him or after you ride a little when you start to lope or trot etc. when does he buck. and what do you mean hes stubborn does he just not respond well or what

Answer 10

He only acts up under saddle....just work with him on it. If he goes to act like he is going to buck, like putting his head down keep his head up don't give him his head. They can't really buck unless they have their head. Good luck!