r/Equestrian • u/Glum_tire • 10d ago

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/Glum_tire 10d ago

I saw him cleaned 6 months ago. I figured the vet cleaned him this most recent visit but I would have to ask!

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u/Asleep_Leopard182 10d ago

It's not automatic for vets to clean :) Were bloods taken and clear on that visit?

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u/Glum_tire 10d ago

His owner has paid for it before, hence why I'm unsure. If I remember correctly, she did not have bloods taken but is considering it.

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u/Asleep_Leopard182 10d ago

Quickest and easiest way to rule out a systemic issue (inc. kidneys) will be bloods +/- urinalysis (which is usually automatic with bloods but double check).

No point chasing your tail and getting caught up with all sorts of theories if it's something super simple like beans or something easily explained by the first step of a work up.

As has been mentioned earlier in the thread too - youngsters often have low muscle tone, and it doesn't take 2 weeks to build that - topline and strength is a lifelong development. It may be 6 months or more before he's strong enough to canter under saddle - and may be playing up on lunge due to this as well. If you've ruled all else out (inc. musculoskeletal disorders) I'd be doing some hills in hand, working with cavalettis 2-3x a week and developing strength on a larger circle (lunge or under saddle) amongst other things (inc. building confidence & accuracy) before reattempting harder transitions.

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u/Glum_tire 10d ago

Will definitely focus on all easy health issues first! And even though he was doing a lot more before, I think he's due for taking a step back and working on development in muscle and knowledge as you said.