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Horses/My silly horse bucks when he runs!

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Expert: Dorothy Morris-Robinson - 10/4/2009


Question
I rescued my best buddy, 11 yo QH "Rusty", from a sticky situation where he was ridden by lots of different "cowboys". Needless to say, this has presented some interesting retraining challenges for me, but one I cannot understand is he habit of bucking when he runs. It doesn't seem to me a mean "Im trying to get rid of you" buck, more like "I am so excited I cant get all my feet to go in the same direction". He seems to be a "go fast or don't go at all" kind of boy. Any ideas?

Answer
Hello Kimberly,

Sounds like you have a happy horse full of pizazz.  I think you should put him on the lunge line before you mount and allow him to get his high jinks out of his system before you get on. It may require anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes until he lowers his head and gives a sigh and it might not take that long.

Then after the edge is worn off you can do some disciplined schooling.  Try this and see if it works.  Let me know??

Happy riding,
Dorothy

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Dorothy Morris-Robinson

Expertise

My expertise is in training and rehabilitating horses, and training riders for combined training for over 40 years, in Virginia and California. This includes dressage, cross country obstacles and show jumping. In my many years of experience and endless study of Classical theory, and my hands-on retraining horses,I have accummulated much knowledge of the different personalities of horses and how to approach their rehabilitation. At my age, I do not ride as much as I used to, but I don't see why I have to waste the experience I have. Therefore, I continue to find horses to rehabilitate and then to find homes and riders for them, when they are ready to go on. I give each horse a thorough foundation in classical ground work. They are taught stable manners, lunging, word commands, rhythm. I currently work at my ranch in Kennewick, WA. I can answer certain questions about starting young horses in English riding: dressage, jumping, cross country obstacles and basic equitation. I can help with rehabilitation of spoiled or difficult horses; however, many problems require sustained riding instruction/training and I cannot do this online. Some issues need to be observed to come to a correct diagnosis. If your problem is of this type, please find a qualified instructor/trainer. I cannot give riding lessons via email.

Experience

Experience in the area: Over 40 years of English riding experience, including Fox Hunting in Virginia where I earned my colors with the Blue Ridge Hunt, training young horses for hunting and/or eventing. Coached a rider from her beginning at Training Level Combined tests through her competition at two Junior International competition Three Day Events. She rode my horse that I also started and trained her to ride. This combination competed in the World Championship Three Day in Lexington, KY in 1978. I trained another horse (TB) through 3rd Level Dressage and jumping. He eventually competed at Advanced level Three Day. I have reschooled several horses with difficulties ranging from running away to running backward, to not allowing a bridle to be put on, to kicking out at the farrier, being "too much on the muscle over jumps", barn sour, etc

Organizations
National Society Daughters of the Revolution (DAR)

Publications
Four novels (I am also a novelist)

Education/Credentials
Some college. Endless study of Classical Theory and training methods.

Awards and Honors
Who's Who of American Women, Who'w Who in America, Past Board of Directors FDIC-NACM

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