My horse, Andy, bucks a lot.  He is five years old, and is still a little green.  I know that this might cause some of it but he has become progressively worse.  At first, it was happy green horse bucks when I asked for a canter, or "I don't wanna" bucks for turning interesting corners.  Now it occurs during acceleration and stopping, or even every few strides.  I used to be able to ride them out, but now I can't, I can stay on though.  What do I do?  

Flying High  

You are right; before this extensive bucking started, they were probably merely green horse bucks.  But when a horse starts bucking to this extent there has to be something wrong.  Check the saddle's fit, and make sure it does not pinch down the withers and spine.  You should see daylight through the trees, stick three fingers down the tree at the withers without touching the saddle or withers, and be able to slide your hands down the flaps without catching skin.   

If the saddle fits, or even if it doesn't, ask a trainer to show you how to test for a sore back.  Be careful when doing this, as some horses might kick out.  Start at the base of the skull and place your thumb and first finger of the same hand on either side.  Press firmly but not pushing to hard down, do this while running down the spine slowly.    Where your horse tries to bite or drops his back is where he may be sore.  If he is, consult a vet and/or a sports massage therapist.  

Lynn Pet and Lisa Hughes 

For bucking horses like Flying High, one of the things my instructor tells me to do is to make sure that I don't hang on the horse's face.  If you constantly pull back on the reins, you are actually giving the horse something to brace himself on, making it easier for him to buck.  This is aggravated if you're also giving him leg cues.  He has nowhere else to go but up!  

Anonymous