HORSE Training: How to Stop Your Horse from Bucking

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I get asked all the time, "Why does my horse buck?"

The short answer to that question is, "Your horse bucks because he's
trying to tell you that something is wrong." Bucking, like running, is
your horse's way of communicating with you. It is usually part of his
fight-or-flight reflex.

But answering the question of why a specific horse bucks is a little
more complicated because not every horse bucks for the same reasons.
"Something wrong" can run the gamut from physical ailments to the
mental/emotional stress of an ill-fitting career or poor living
conditions.

Physical Causes of Horse Bucking
Like us, horses object to working when their bodies hurt. Physical
issues that might cause your horse to buck include ulcers and
digestive problems, sharp teeth, sore feet, or a sore back. Horses
also buck because they are overfed and underworked, or out of sheer
exuberance. If you horse bucks, the first step is to have a
veterinarian give him a thorough exam to rule out physical pain. If
your veterinarian does find physical problems, take whatever steps
necessary to solve those problems, whether it be chiropractic work, a
float, different shoes or boots, or supplements to help with
digestion.

If you horse passes the vet's exam with flying colors, compare his
level of feed with his level of work. Many an overfed and underworked
horse bucks because he has too much energy, and nothing constructive
to do with it. If your horse is not in regular work, consider cutting
back on the grain or alfalfa portion of his diet, but not his hay or
beet pulp.

Non-Physical Causes of Horse Bucking
Once you've checked and addressed any physical issues that might be
causing your horse to buck, it's time to consider mental and emotional
causes. When I look at these kinds of causes, I have to consider the
horse's personality type, because each horse personality type bucks
for a different reason. In my last mid-month newsletter, I covered the
difference between horses that buck and horses that run. The horse
personality types most likely to buck are Metal, Earth, and Wood. In
this article I focus on the Metal horse and what causes this type of
horse to buck. In upcoming issues, I'll talk more about Earth and Wood
horses.

Why the Metal Horse Personality Type Bucks
Remi, my Yang Ming (Metal/Earth) type horse, was a big-time bucker
when I bought him. In fact, this horse's severe buck is the reason
that his previous owners sold him. If you want to see Remi's buck,
check out his picture here:

Remi Bucking

His former owner, Chasity, made it through Remi's first buck, and then
sailed through the air. In Remi's case, he was in physical pain but
continued to run barrels for his rider anyway. He resorted to bucking
when he felt he simply could not work through the pain anymore. This
is typical of Metal type horses, who have a high pain tolerance and
often work to the point of being incapacited.

For the most part, a Metal horse will buck if he:
- doesn't understand his job or what is being asked of him
- does not have a set routine
- does not like his rider
- is kept from doing his job by improper riding or handling
- has physical problems with which he can no longer cope

Throw too much information at a Metal horse or mess up his routine,
and he'll start bucking.

The keys to preventing a Metal horse from bucking are:
- make sure he's not in pain since Metal horses are stoic
- provide a set routine and be clear about his job
- teach new ideas slowly and allow much repetition
- slow down if he objects or "doesn't get it"
- be fair and consistent in your approach

The Metal horse is an amazing worker who will rarely buck. He only
bucks when he can't process new information, when he feels that his
opinions are not being heard, or when he is treated unfairly.

Once a Metal horse learns his job he never forgets it. When he has
learned his job well and feels he is being treated fairly, you can
keep him out to pasture for months at a time, then pull him in for a
quick tune-up and he's ready to go. If your Metal horse bucks, you
know that you have a miscommunication somewhere in your relationship
with him. Review the lists above and see where that might be.

The Metal horse won't hesitate to buck, but usually does not go for
this extreme form of objection unless he feels seriously
misunderstood. Be quick to correct any miscommunications because a
Metal horse is slow to anger and slow to forgive.


LEARN More about Metal Horse Personality Types
Want to know more about Metal horses or the Five-Element horse
personality typing system? Check out these amazing resources,
including a free online test, that help you learn all about horse
personality types.

Discover Your Horse's Five-Element Personality Type at No Cost at http://www.horseharmonytest.com/

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Browse the Blog at http://blog.horseharmony.com/

Chat About Five-Element Stuff - see details at http://www.holistichorsekeeping.com/resources/articles/hhhgroup.html

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