AboutSarah Lothmann Expertise Professional trainer for 10+ years. I happily offer you my expertise, techniques, and advice covering: Hunters, Jumpers, Equitation, Showing, Training, Sales, Behavior, Stabling, Grooming, Tack, Barn Management, Rider Psychology, & Effective Communication.
Experience I have been riding for over 23 years. As a kid I participated in 4H and Pony Club. I then worked as a groom and catch rode to pay my entry fees in the A Circuit. As a teenager I competed nationally in the Junior Hunters, USETs, and Medal classes. I've learned from and worked with some of the nations' best trainers. During college I began training professionally. I have prepared my students for both local and national shows. Recently I have organized two local equestrian groups for expanding general knowledge of horsemanship and for ensuring the welfare of horses. I continue my dedication in this industry by offering visual design services for equine businesses including, graphic design, web development, and photography.
Organizations ASPCA, Desert Valley Equestrians, Arizona Equestrian Network, The Equestrian Paddock, & Equine Photographers Network
Publications The Equestrian Paddock & Soon I will be announce another online publication featuring my monthly articles.
Education/Credentials AAS Degree, Veterinary Assistant, Professional Trainer
Awards and Honors Graduated High School with High Honors, College GPA 4.0, OHJA & KHJA Year End Equitation Championships as a junior rider, & ASPCA Maclay Class & USET Class wins.
Past/Present Clients In the past I have worked for and with Laurie Story, Mindy Darst & Lochmoor Stables, Chris & Matt Payne, Scott Taylor, Camargo Stables, Marianne Murphy, the Lindner family, Brigette Carlson, Bobbi Theis, Cincinnati Theraputic Riding, Sweetwater Stables, Lucy Alibaster, Los Cedros, and Leslie Stohlgren. Currently I am working with private clients.
You are here: Experts > Sports > Horse Racing > Horses > I need help with my green broken horse. He is reluctant to go forward and rears and bucks.?
Horses - I need help with my green broken horse. He is reluctant to go forward and rears and bucks.?
Ok, so he is a 3 and a half year old stockhorse gelding who was at the breakers for 2 months. He previously had limited handling. The first couple of days home he was fine & has since gotton progressively worse. The other day we were trotting (he did not want to go forward so I was having to really push him). Then he put on the brakes and tried to buck me off. I pulled his head up and he rears. When I do get him going forward he carries his head extremely high and will try to fall into a uneven/unbalanced trot where he is just all over the place. He will try to run through my legs and is generally ignorant of them even though I am putting a lot of pressure on. Eventually it gets to a point where he just wont go forward. I keep pushing and he keeps trying to buck and when I hold him he just rears(mini rears). I really dont know what else to do???I would love any advice/tips etc.He is lunged before ridden and goes beautifully. He recently just had his teeth done & chiro out (jaw was out. This was before I got him home. What should I do?
Answer At such a young age his behavior is to be expected. Wiggling around at the trot is common for young green horses. Initially you need ascertain if any of your tack is fitted improperly. However, from what you have told me I am wondering if you aren't legging him too much, thus causing him to stop and buck. Remember that your leg is an aide and meant to suggest, not force, forward motion. Each moment he moves forward from your leg you must reward him by relaxing the pressure and giving with your hands. To properly ask for his head to lower, remember that as you apply leg you are giving and taking on the reins, alternating from hand to hand. Your hand cues should be very slight and suggestive not forceful. Your horse will need time to gain maturity, and the two of you will need patience with earning each others trust and respect. If you need to, you can try using draw reins. Some folks prefer standing martingales, however when working with such a green horse I feel draw reins are safer since they can be more giving in the right hands. Either way, you should only use these tools when a professional trainer can supervise you to correct any possible misuse of these training aides.
Just pulling on his mouth when he bucks has proved detrimental to your work. When you lift his head up during a buck, the command should be with one rein, and you will need to try to turn him in a circle. Immediately following the cessation of the buck leg him forward. The point is to get his attention and get yourself safe. If you anticipate him bucking, hollow out is back momentarily by lifting his head and circling while you maintain a deep seat with your shoulders tall and back.
Since he is lounged ahead of time and doing well, I am inclined to think his behavior is symptomatic of an issue with the rider. Since you are his rider, perhaps you could arrange a few lessons with those who broke him. They could evaluate your performance, and help explain to you when you might be giving him mixed signals. Another tip is to watch others ride him. In doing so you can see more clearly when he gets clear commands verses unclear commands. Applying what you watch to your ride will surely improve the situation. Also, having varied riders on him could very well relax his own expectations of you.
The key to your success will be patience, clarity, and a proper reward system. He will most likely take a year to get his training more solidified. If you have assistance with a professional trainer and can have a few riders alternating his rides, then the two of you will reach your goals.
