Bucking/bronking

[sykes]

In brief - four-year old horse bought last year. After tanking off and being quite "wild" he was initially diagnosed with acute osteoarthritis - but nowhere near severe as initial diagnosis. Had course injections, steroids, cartrophen and tildren drip six months ago and then last week. On and off work due to weather but managed walk/trot dressage test and a few clear rounds. Also, hacking out quite nicely. Just bringing back into work, going well but taking it slowly as had last meds last week. Since then he's been over a few x-poles, been schooled by me and instructor (yesterday). V happy with him until the rodeo ride today. Was doing canter poles and instructor advised to take forwards position - I tend to sit back too much, v old fashioned, I'm told. As soon as went into forwards position he dashed off, I lost control and probably balance and he proceeded to bronk from A round to C (according to my instructor it was a rodeo). I came off at C. I couldn't get his head up and kick on as it was rammed between his knees - maybe someone stronger and more experienced would have done. My instructor was gob smacked and says she's only ever seen two horses do that - both now unrideable. Am absolutely gutted, I sat a lot of them but my instructor said he just wanted me off. So, anyone any advice as am gutted. It was going so well. I got back on him but instructor said his eyes were quite wild so just walked and then trotted on yard. Plan is to hack him tomorrow and then do 15 mins in school with instructor. she says if he does it again we need to get in a work rider as, understandably, she doesn't want to get on him and he mustn't be allowed to get into this habit. It's very dangerous. Am so p'd off as he just seemed to lose the plot completely - previously he'd tank off but is this his new trick? Was it the forward seat that upset him? Am flummoxed. He's not a nasty horse but is VERY sensitive and was put through too much too young as a four-year old jumping in Ireland. Wonder whether it sparked something off? Also, his back was done about three weeks ago before his latest course of medication and he's been absolutely fine up until today. Sorry so long and thanks for any input. I landed okay but slightly on my shoulder which I'm having MRI scanned next week so a bit of a pain.

Thanks for asking. Went on a hack and he was very calm and quiet. Didn't get to go into the school as was running disastrously late. I'll be lunging like a lunatic tomorrow and then get on. Also hoping the work rider can make it to put him through his paces.

there is definitely a limit to how nuts they can go when tired isn't there? Do you feel hopeful that it may have been as simple as him being out of work for a while, and the excitement of coming back into work (plus being a youngster of course)? And maybe time of year too?

both mine need regular daily work, they seem to go feral otherwise, people with horses and ponies they can just ride whenever

Could it be his teeth giving him pain?

I saw a nasty horse accident on Youtube where they said the pain from the bit on the horse's teeth caused him to explode.

From the sounds of your post, your instructor doesn't sound very helpful! I am not quite sure why someone would think it wise to say to someone who has just come off their beloved horse "i have only seen that twice and they are now unrideable"

Your horse is young, possibly a bit 'backward' after his problems. You say you tend to sit back, it is what you are used to and what he is used to you doing, you shifting your weight so much could have just freaked him out. Yes, he does need to get used to it, but with youngsters it needs to be a gradual thing.

Is there a possibility of trying another instructor? One used to youngsters?

She is a great instructor and is very supportive. We haven't had the greatest of years, in some ways, since buying him in 2009 as he has had other issues - namely tanking off. My horse is definitely sensitive and will panic if the rider does so that is definitely a issue. Re what instructor said - I just think she was genuinely shocked at quite how bad the broncing was. She's been working with me since (hacking and lunging) and is actually riding him on Wednesday. We're going to keep it low key until the work rider can come - next Monday and he's going to ride him in front of the vet.
The dentist is due a visit but the vet did a quick check today. I think he's not been in as much work as necessary and also think we were heading straight for the arena fence which freaked him out and the whole situation got out of control. Let's hope so, anyway.
He has been taken back to basics since buying him and certainly hasn't been rushed at all. But maybe I need to get better balanced too and just focus on hacking and basic schooling for the next month.
My instructor brings on youngsters a lot (and this is my third youngster so have done a couple before) so she really does have the experience. Hopefully, it was a one off. Went out on a hack today - just walk and trot and he was very well behaved. Will lunge and school tomorrow.
Thanks for all replies, really appreciate it and it's great to have other people's input.

Sorry, bought his in 2010 - last February.

That is good you are happy, your post does make your instructor sound erm, insensitive? Not sure that is the right word Glad it is not like that.

Quick update. Things have gone really well since I last posted. He's had his back and teeth done and had REALLY bad ulcers. The dentist said they would have been very sore, feel v guilty that I didn't check before. Not sure if related to bucking incident but can't have helped.
Since then he's been really good. Have hacked out a lot - which took the pressure off him and me - and had some lovely rides. Also now lunging and schooling and, touch wood, he seems very relaxed and happy. Am aiming to do a baby dressage test in about two weeks and a clear round and see how we go from there.
How's everyone else? Am convinced the weather has helped as well, it's just so lovely I can't wait to get down the yard.
Are things good, Pixel etc?

Hi Sykes, that's brilliant news.

Things not bad here, on Tuesday I took dhorse round the block all by myself for the first time ever and he was an angel. He must have liked my singing although my mouth was so dry I could hardly croak . I know it's a bit pathetic, it was only 10 minutes but a huge thing for me. Had a little short ride yesterday, he was a bit more lively but ok, so I was looking forward to this morning (planning on going a tiny bit further each time). Then I woke up feeling absolutely dreadful! Sore throat, cough, aching limbs, eurgh!. It's lovely outside and I'm sitting here next to the radiator in a t shirt, shirt, thick jumper and fleece blanket. Just waiting for dh to get home so I can go to bed.

It's my own fault, moving hay yesterday in just a tshirt (and other clothes obviously!) as it was so warm. Should have remembered 'ne'er cast a clout 'til May is out'! Those old wives weren't so daft.

I rode my boy in the school today and he was fine then in canter put a buck in, nothing too bad and I stayed on. he hasn't done that before, well, I suppose the spring grass has something to do with it, as he was a bit crazy around the same time last year.

Well done, Pixel. Hope you have a great weekend and all progress is progress. I sing a LOT when I'm nervous - it does help.
Hope you're feeling better and manage to ride today/tomorrow.
Had a good lesson yesterday and hacked today so it's looking still quite good.

Any suggestions for songs?

The only upbeat one I could think of was that one about the ram butting the dam, but I only knew that bit so I had to sing it over and over again. (I wish we had some nice secluded bridleways to ride around instead of having to pass various old ladies/postmen on bikes etc. ) I have to keep patting dhorse so I can make out I'm talking to him!