I just bought a horse from a friend who says the horse is great except he occasionally crow hops. Like when he's kicked or when he is first ridden if its been a while. He said he just jerked on the reins to get his head up. The horse is six and trained on cows some and has my friend has used him on field trials so he's been around a lot of noise. He has a lot of good points. I have had him a month and I started ground training him in a round pen first to gain his respect. He has shown a little disrespect but over all he is a real sweet horse. But now I am second guessing buying him. Im getting back into horses after children and had a compression fracture three years ago from a green horse and don't want to get hurt again. I used to love spirited horses! Help.
2006-09-23 11:03:55 · 9 answers · asked by sherriehi 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
When a horse misbehaves, one option is to cease all other activity and get lateral flexion to a stop. (Lateral flexion is bending the horse's head all the way to one side -- but, gently! -- and waiting for the horse to soften. Teach it on the *ground* first!)
Things not to do: kick the horse (ever -- they just lose respect for you and/or fear you and, thus, have no motivation to do what you want); yank on the horse's head (for the same reasons); ride him before's been checked for "paying attention to you" on the ground.
Also helpful (although expensive): www.Parelli.com
Best of luck!
~DancesWithHorses~
2006-09-23 13:06:40 · answer #1 · answered by DancesWithHorses 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe or Maybe not. All of the previous comments are very valid. This horse could have physical and/or mental problems! First, I would have him checked out to see if he has any physical issues. Sometimes an equine chiropractor can detect problems that a Vet might not, so that is a possibility. Again, have someone who is knowledgable make sure the tack fits properly. A horse without some sort of issue does not behave like that.
2006-09-24 11:47:26 · answer #2 · answered by foxtrotters4ever 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He's only six, so he's still pretty young. So like all young horses he might be a tad spirited from time to time.
Show discipline, but respect for him, eventually he will learn. An remember to have faith in him. Horses can sense when you're afraid or don't trust them.
Get him into the habit of being ridden often, and try not to leave him for periods where he isn't ridden.
Good luck!
2006-09-23 18:13:36 · answer #3 · answered by Alax 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This doesn't sound like the horse for you. It would probably be best if you sold this horse and purchased a "dead broke" one to ride until you regain your confidence. If you really want to try to make this horse work, you should work it in the pen or on a line, with the saddle on, every time before you ride it. Don't let him go awhile between rides. Try to keep his head up so it will be more difficult (not impossible) for him to buck. I would also have a vet examine him to make sure there is no soreness in his back. Poor saddle fit may also cause him to buck. Another option (if a vet has examined him and pronounced him sound) is to have a trainer or more experienced person ride him several times before you try to. I don't consider a "spirited" horse to be one that bucks. Good luck.
2006-09-23 23:44:43 · answer #4 · answered by Lotsofspots 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a mare that did the same thing, she would crow hop alot when I first got her and I honestly can't remember how I worked her out of it. I think when she did it I worked her extra hard, we ran non-stop and she finally learned not to. Do pull back on his head though, you bring his head up and he'll stop that non-sense. lol Good luck. There's a horse forum on horse.com if you don't get any good answers here, they have a lot of info there.
2006-09-23 18:11:57 · answer #5 · answered by rebel69mach1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the horse is crow hopping or acting out in some way he has issues. Do you need that? Issues can usually be resolved with time and training, but you have to decide if you have the time to invest.
2006-09-23 18:32:27 · answer #6 · answered by horsinround2do 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I hate to be a wet blanket, but it sounds like you may need to rethink you purchase decision. While some intensive training may help this horse, it will be quite some time before he is trustworthy. You might be happier with a horse you can enjoy sooner.
2006-09-23 18:11:41 · answer #7 · answered by piper 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
lots of lunging!! everytime you ride, lunge before you get on, make him work a bit. check saddle fit, check him back for soreness. when you lunge bit him left and right to help him not to get his head down and buck on line also. he has learned some bad habits and now you have to "fix"this. if you have physical issues, I would recommend a trainer, any horse you ride no matter how "broke" he is, you always run the chance of getting injured again. they do have minds of their own and sometimes use them!! I myself ride everyday wondering if today is the day I get bucked off or spooked off etc. chances we take riding. sometimes the one bad thing outways all the good. follow your gut, it's always right. good luck
2006-09-24 00:40:18 · answer #8 · answered by cattledog_vinnie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you got a pond? If so, if you take him into the water, about chest deep then mount you won't have much trouble. If he can't get his head down He will not act up as much. Also if he should cause you to come off the water is a lot softer than the ground to fall on.
2006-09-23 21:01:18 · answer #9 · answered by texas_sandie 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋