How much of an issue is this? Is it normal? It’s more of a weeee crow hop type thing, but it’s very irritating and makes me nervous! Anyone else been through this? FYI, it’s his first year, only been out about 6 times.
When is it happening? When you are on a run? Waiting to jump? If he has only been out six times hunting he is still trying to figure out and probably just has a little extra adrenaline.
I had a mare who would do this every time at a particular place, going over the brow of a rise. She would gallop up, jump and buck squealing over the top of the rise. She seemed to be enjoying herself, but as we field mastered, I had to make sure that nobody was close behind us as we approached her yeehaw spot. She’s 25 now, and I’m sure she’d do it just the same if she went there again. (redhead TB)
Chiropractor/acupuncturist. Tomorrow. Then address issues still vexing you!
I’ve had 3 horses given to me b/c they ‘buck!’ They’re my very very very best hirelings. Took 1 trip to the acupuncture guy.
I’m not saying this is it, but …
I agree with HR. I’ve had chiro work done on me and WOW! What a good feeling afterwards. I’ve also ridden 2 horses before and after adjustments. Oh my how cranky and mare ish one was before and the other just would not connect with the bit (snaking neck, curling behind with little contact) to bolt and buck like a bronc. Both horses were lovely rides after chiro.
The bolt, buck like a bronc horse gets adjusted every 3 months. And I can tell when he needs to be adjusted because he starts curling and chomping on the bit.
If your horse has only gone out 6 times, it may well just be the excitement of it.
Does he buck at any other time? How do you discipline him for bucking?
It takes a bit before horses “learn” their jobs and hunting can really get a horse charged up.
To make yourself feel more secure, try riding with a neck strap (I use a stirrup leather) that’s higher up on the neck than a breastplate. I usually hunt with one because I like having something “extra” over some of the fences; I also find that the pressure helps steady my horse on the flat.
