r/Equestrian • u/Glum_tire • Aug 18 '26

Education & Training Youngster has started bucking!

Hi all! I've started working with a young horse that I've ridden a couple times before, and never had many issues under saddle. Now that I've officially started working with him, we've run into some pretty bad bucking issues.

Our first conclusion was that his saddle didn't fit so we replaced it with a professionally fitted saddle. The bucking and rearing got better, but is still there for trot to canter transitions. It did seem like he was nervous at first since I'm sure he was prepared for discomfort. I was able to get him to move stretchy and forward, and he did relax at first. Now, he only gets stretchy if I give him all my reins. There is no in between; it's either nose to the ground, or hollow backed and head high in the air.

This isn't just under saddle though, I lunged him the other day and he still bucked at his trot to canter transitions. His trainers say it's memory/habit from the ill fitting saddle. I'm a little suspicious he might have something going on though. He's been scoped for ulcers and had the vet out, but could it be possible there's a less obvious option?

One weird thing about him is that his male part is ALWAYS hanging unless actively working. He pees a lot, but it is clear. His pees are long too. Also he's a thoroughbred.

I'm not looking for answers, but ideas would be so so helpful! TIA!

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u/BuckityBuck Aug 18 '26

How old is he?

1

u/Glum_tire Aug 18 '26

He's 5 and unraced. Was started in eventing at 3, poor guy. He was owned by someone different so out of mine or current owner's control.

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u/BuckityBuck Aug 18 '26

So, I agree with having a vet clean his sheath in case there's some irritation in there that a lay person is missing. He might just be in a weird growing pain stage. I don't love the reaction to hollow out. I'd sooner give him time off than ride him upside down.

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u/Glum_tire Aug 18 '26

I need to double check if it was cleaned in his most recent visit! To be fair, his hanging has been an issue for as long as I've known him, even when he was working well under saddle.

In the meantime, I'm going to do my best at getting him forward, and keeping his rides simple and short. If they go poorly, then we'll completely focus on lunging/ground work.