HorseWise: Bucking at the Canter

We always need to look to a physical cause first as the key to any issue, with the realization that a horse with a good education and a relationship of respect and trust with the rider will push through the pain barrier. There is never an excuse for bucking.

As a trainer of a horse with a inclination to buck, I’d make sure these “bricks” are well laid in my training foundation before cantering:

Straight and forward: Bulging to the outside of a circle (usually towards the barn), lack of forward motion, and bucking are often related problems. It is essential that you have control of your horse’s body parts in order to keep him straight and avoid “fishtailing” hindquarters. All lateral work such as bending, leg yielding, turning on the haunches and forehand will give you some tools to contain evasions. Control of the hindquarters is most helpful to strengthen a weaker lead or with a horse who tends to buck. Start with a turn on the forehand, and advance to haunches-in at the canter.

Controlling emotions. An exuberant, angry or fearful horse may buck, but the basics of respect and trust must be built from the ground up before you ever reach the cantering stage. Teach your horse from the ground to give to pressure on every part of his body and advance with similar yield-to-pressure exercises under saddle every time you feel him distracted by emotions. This reinforces that you’re the leader and you make all the decisions — horses find security in this.

A system of yes and no: A horse soon learns that by bucking, he can displace his rider’s leg, thereby giving himself a reward!  Throughout the buck, say “no” by sending him forward with his hips to the inside, using your outside leg firmly (and spur, if necessary) behind the girth. The second he softens and canters forward calmly say “yes” by softening your leg and relaxing your body. Timing is the key — with a few repetitions, he’ll get the picture.