PLEASE HELP - Opinions, advice, help really needed

**Alysser** · 03-19-2006, 12:37 PM

I've had the same problem with a mare named Jasmine. She was blind in one eye and I was assigned to ride her. I agree with Killearn. Tell your instructor immediatly. Maybe the horse is just stressed out? Maybe it's the saddle? I highly doubt it's your riding.

**Miss Z** · 03-19-2006, 01:57 PM

Thanks. My neck is still sore, but my mum gave me some special stuff to rub on it so it's not so bad now. I found an old horse magazine on bucking horses. I thought that maybe I should go and watch someone else ride the horse sometime in the week to see what the horse does, if I can get my parents to take me.

I'm so worried about this horse, he is my favourite and know that it's so unlike him. The more I think about it, the more I'm sure it's the saddle.

**Suki Wingy** · 03-19-2006, 03:29 PM

it really DOES seem like the saddle. Maybe you can present it to someone and ask them to explain why it's NOT the saddle, them they might see that is really is.

**buttercup132** · 03-19-2006, 04:05 PM

That happened to me with Trigger when I bought him a new saddle the trea (tree) was too small for him and it really bothers them. He bucked me off and took off galloping and that was not at all like him! So I changed the saddle and now hes fine. Although he gives tiny bucks cause he's a brat it's not cause his saddle. Also if there blanket makes there hair stand up it also bothers them so make sure there hair is flat when you put the saddle blanket on and if you need to move it , I know its a pain but you will have to take the whole saddle off or it can cause discomfort causing the horse to buck. I'm glad your not severly injured. Talk to the owners of the stable and maybe a couple stable hands. But I'm like positive that, that is what it is. From the sounds of it anyways.
EDIT: Also from what I went through at my ridding stabel( a very supposidly good one but they are cruel to their horses) the people that teach lessons don't know much about the saddlery and other equipment, all they know is how to teach you.

**flamepony12** · 03-19-2006, 04:42 PM

Check the tree size of the saddle, and ask your instructor or any knowledgable horseperson at your barn what tree size the horse SHOULD be using. If it's the wrong tree size for the horse... problem solved. He needs a different saddle.

You might also request to not ride in the dressage saddle? Is there another saddle you may be able to use? If so, I'd try the horse in a saddle that you're sure fits him. If the second saddle you try fits him and he STILL bucks, I'd take a look at his back. It may be sore.

**HollandLoppy89** · 03-19-2006, 07:35 PM

P.J. used to buck off anyone who rode him because of his saddle. He used to be abused, so his back is a little different than a normal horses.

But he's my boy, and he's awesome. Since I've changed his saddle he's been the best horse I've ever ridden. Try that and see if it helps!

**Miss Z** · 03-20-2006, 01:13 PM

Thanks everyone for the replies

Originally Posted by flamepony12

You might also request to not ride in the dressage saddle? Is there another saddle you may be able to use? If so, I'd try the horse in a saddle that you're sure fits him. If the second saddle you try fits him and he STILL bucks, I'd take a look at his back. It may be sore.

Unfortunately I can't. They seem to have got rid of his general purpose saddle. I don't know what size it was as I never thought of checking. His back doesn't appear to be sore, but next week I'll try applying a little pressure with my hand to different parts of his back to see how he reacts.

Originally Posted by buttercup132

So I changed the saddle and now hes fine. Although he gives tiny bucks cause he's a brat it's not cause his saddle.

LOL! A New Forest mix pony I ride does that, bucking and rearing to attempt to scare me. Silly little guy

Originally Posted by HollandLoppy89

Since I've changed his saddle he's been the best horse I've ever ridden. Try that and see if it helps!

I definitely would if I could. But I couldn't just go out and get him a saddle as he's not mine. The riding school would not accept it.

Originally Posted by Maltese_Love

Maybe the horse is just stressed out?

I've been thinking about that. He's just a cob, so he doesn't have a highly-strung temperament or anything. But there's other things that can worry horses. I'll have to think more on that one.

Originally Posted by Suki Wingy

it really DOES seem like the saddle. Maybe you can present it to someone and ask them to explain why it's NOT the saddle, them they might see that is really is.

That is a good idea. I think next week I'll go for the subtle hint way. For example, I'd take the horse into the arena then say to my instructor:

"Do you know why Dennis has been bucking so much recently? I wonder why, it's not like him at all, is it? I mean, I don't think it's winter fizziness as he's only bucking, so what do you think?" Then my instructor will say something, from which I will suggest that it's the saddle, and then use your idea, Eva. Thanks for that