Bucking: Why Does a Horse Do It and How to Stop It?

If you know the horse might buck، consider bridging your reins. Bring the left rein over the horse's withers into your right hand، then cross the right rein back over into the left hand. When the horse bucks، push your hands down against its withers. First of all، a horse that is bucking seriously has to put its head right down، which is harder to do if it's pulling against its withers. Second، this gives you something to brace against and makes it much easier to stay on.

If a normally well-behaved horse suddenly starts bucking، check the saddle fit and get its back and teeth checked—it's probably pain.

If the horse has been off work for a while، it's probably freshness and enthusiasm—the horse needs more work and to be given things to think about. Lateral work، if the horse knows it، can be great as it's harder for the horse to buck out of a lateral movement، and it really engages their brain and gets them focused. Consider lunging for a few minutes before riding، and also think about getting out of the arena and going on a nice long trail ride to get rid of some of that extra energy. Do bear in mind، though، that the horse may be out of shape—don't push him too far or hard.

As I already mentioned، the horse that has learned to buck in order to get out of work or who is seriously attempting to throw its rider needs expert retraining. They need to be worked with by somebody who is fit، healthy، and experienced with the issue.

If the horse actually does get the rider off by bucking، it is very important that somebody get back on the horse. Ideally، this should be the original rider، but I obviously don't recommend getting back on if you're injured. If the horse bucks somebody off and is taken right back to his stall، he may learn that bucking gets him out of work.

I do not recommend riding alone on any horse. It is even more important not to ride alone on a horse that has a history of bucking.

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis، prognosis، treatment، prescription، or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.