I use a fleece girth. He is also somewhat grumpy to saddle but he has always been that way. I am trying a new saddle pad too. I was using a Thinline and thought maybe he didn’t like it. It definitely could be me as well. I like to think I’m balanced enough to not fall on him on landing but it’s possible. I do tend to hold him back some because now I’m nervous what he is going to do at each jump. Maybe he does need more momentum and packaging as you suggested. It makes sense. Thank you for your replies.
What level did he event at? If it was anything recognized, I really don’t think he needs “packaging and momentum” to jump a 2 foot fence without charging and bucking. This sounds much, much more likely to be physical discomfort than anything else. Agree with the suggestions to get a good work up - back, hocks, front feet, etc.
Good luck!
While I agree in this case it could definitely be pain related, I have also seen a lot of horses do this in reaction to a rider grabbing at the bridle a few strides out. The rider grabs, and the horses tenses and rushes in response, the rider grabs more on the other side, and the horse bucks/crow hops/runs. The backing up after a jump can exacerbate it in a smart horse (horse anticipated the halt and back, and starts to crow hop/buck on the other side to avoid it.)
Again, this doesn’t necessarily sound applicable here! But I’m posting for anyone else reading this thread thinking OP’s situation sounds similar who has ruled out lameness.
[QUOTE=Rel6;8460847]
While I agree in this case it could definitely be pain related, I have also seen a lot of horses do this in reaction to a rider grabbing at the bridle a few strides out. The rider grabs, and the horses tenses and rushes in response, the rider grabs more on the other side, and the horse bucks/crow hops/runs. The backing up after a jump can exacerbate it in a smart horse (horse anticipated the halt and back, and starts to crow hop/buck on the other side to avoid it.)
Again, this doesn’t necessarily sound applicable here! But I’m posting for anyone else reading this thread thinking OP’s situation sounds similar who has ruled out lameness.[/QUOTE]
This was me 
We were jumping crossrails.
