I have a 5 year old quarter horse gelding he was only broke a year ago. Now he has never been perfect, but he was rideable and I even jumped him. I went a way for a week and I asked my instructor to have some experienced people ride him. Ever since I came back he has been crazy he bucks when I ask him to do anything more than walk and he is spooking at everything, litteraly everything. I have no idea what's going on. I think maybe someone might have messed with him while I was gone. The vet will be out Friday. Any ideas?
2007-08-07 08:29:34 · 9 answers · asked by xoquincyxo 3 in Pets ➔ Horses
Somebody obviously rode your horse and allowed him to get away with some things he shouldn't have, and this is the result. The bucking could be due to any number of causes, such as back soreness from being ridden hard by a heavy rider, or from an ill-fitted saddle or girth. I would look at your tack, and check to be sure it fits and is adjusted properly. The spookiness is going to be harder to cure- this is something that probably developed because someone rode the horse and the animal spooked at something, but instead of taking the time to help him get over his fears, whoever rode him just either ignored him or overreacted and put him away without making him face what he was afraid of until he settled down.
Having the vet out to check for physical problems is a good idea- it's possible that the horse could be lame or sore somewhere, and this is what is causing the bucking. Once the vet has seen the horse and any medical problems have been either treated or ruled out, you can work on the spook problem. To start with, I would longe your horse until he's a bit tired and has had a chance to work off his energy somewhat. A tired horse is less apt to act up when he's outside his comfort zone, which is what you are asking him to do when you ride him anywhere except in the arena. I would also take the time to sack the horse out- that is, rub him all over with a blanket, with a plastic raincoat, or with anything else you can think of that might spook him. Do this from the GROUND, not from his back, so he has a chance to feel and see it, and get used to it before you get on him again. Take him for walks after longeing him for a few days and let him look around and see things. If he spooks, you will be in a better position to deal with it and give him some positive reinforcement when he behaves correctly. While you are grooming him in the barn, turn on the radio and let it play some loud music or news reports, so he gets used to sounds, not just sights. Again, if he spooks when he hears this, you will be there to calm him down- and since he knows and trusts you anyway, he is more likely to settle down after a while. You can also play with him in the arena- lead him up to the wall or fence, and smack the wall or fence with your hands, so he hears that noise. This will show him that there is nothing to fear from that. My mare had a problem recently with a plastic tarp which we were using to cover some hay, and I took her up to the truck where the hay was and calmly picked up the tarp and rattled it repeatedly. Yes, she spooked and pulled back at first, but after a while, she took it in stride and ignored what I was doing. If you expose your horse to enough scary situations, he will eventually get over his fears enough so that you can ride him again with some safety and confidence. He will soon figure out that you aren't afraid, and because he knows you are dominant, he will follow your lead. Just make sure that you always introduce new or scary things while you are ON THE GROUND, not his back. Both of you will be more comfortable that way, not to mention safer. Good luck, I hope this helps you.
2007-08-07 11:31:09 · answer #1 · answered by Starlight 1 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah I agree that someone did something possibly while you were away.
I know that on my show mule, if my son rides him, he gets really dull in his responses to my cues and I have to tune him up.
Would I ever let someone ride my horse without me there, no way. What you are seeing is my worst nightmare.
I agree with having a vet look at him (kudos) have him check for saddle soreness. Were they riding him in your saddle or another one?
If that doesn't help, I might see about a chiro to check for soreness somewhere else.
2007-08-07 15:46:48 · answer #2 · answered by Mulereiner 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Don't do anything with him until the vet shows up. You are risking injury to you AND the horse. Nobody may have messed with him, but he could have hurt himself and it is hurting him to be ridden right now. He is acting like a pained horse, but without a vet on hand, that is just a thought on my part.
2007-08-07 15:33:49 · answer #3 · answered by ibbibud 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
First thing would be to politely inquire to the people that rode him while you were gone, what they did and what did he do, did he behave etc and see if you can pick up anything that way. Sounds like he might have got away with a lot in your absence.
2007-08-07 15:34:46 · answer #4 · answered by lisa m 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like something happened but what ever it was is not important at this point. You need to regain his trust no matter what happened. Alot of ground work, Parelli's 7 games is a great place to start, remember ground work does not = endless lunging. In the future I wouldn't let anyone else ride him without you being present. Good luck, I've been there.
2007-08-07 16:04:58 · answer #5 · answered by Ktcyan 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Find out who's been riding him and talk to them, and to people who watched them. Don't confront them, just say you need some help, did he do such and such with them, you know they are more experienced than you etc etc. Butter them up and find out what somebody did to him. And don't let strangers ride him again
2007-08-07 15:34:29 · answer #6 · answered by florayg 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i'd talk to whoever was supposed to ride him. they may not have ridden him at all, which may be why he's irritable, angry, and is spooking at everything outside of his stall. he may have been pacing, bucking, or kicking in his stall out of boredom and irritation, if no one was getting him out, which may have resulted in him hurting himself.
i hope you get to the bottom of this!
best wishes!
2007-08-07 15:38:11 · answer #7 · answered by alexie. 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
it's easier to create a bad habit than a good one. someone was probably too aggressive with him and they didn't know what they were doing. i don't think it's a health problem.
2007-08-07 15:35:16 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
your horse??? thats funny!
but yea call a vet.
probably he missed u 2 much!
:-(
2007-08-07 15:37:33 · answer #9 · answered by hotchick 1 · 0⤊ 5⤋