crop bucker

[Bella Cavallo]

I have a 5 year old Selle Francias Appalosa Cross, he's an excellently behaved horse, and a good jumper. But whenever I ride him, should I ever use my crop on him he bucks, everytime. The bucks are not rodeo style bucks, and ive never been thrown off, it dosen't seem like he wants to actually send me flying. Its rather annoying, when im on a course I have to think before I use it, is this a good spot? The last thing I want is him knocking into a jump because of a buck from the crop. (For the record; I do not viciously smack my horse with a whip or crop, its a normal everyday tap, and he still bucks) Actually I think it screws me up more than it does him lol. So anybody got any ideas, tips, comments? It would be appreciated. :)

[StarGirl]

Why do you need the crop? Is it necessary? If that's what's causing your trouble, I'd be avoiding it at all costs...

[Manda]

Yeah, if you need a crop to urge your horse forward, why not try little nub spurs and see if you get a better reaction? I would avoid using the crop unless you really need it though, like StarGirl said.

[zansgoodnews]

I have a horse that bucks when I use a crop with her, so I bought small spurs and she doesn't buck with them.

[DixieGirl]

When I first got my first horse she wouldn't go. So I got an expirenced rider on her and she poped her with the crop and she bucked. She did it a couple of more times but now she never has done it. :)

[Casper2002]

all I can think of is keep tapping him(not hitting him) and let him buck till he stops. I know that is what we do when we have a horse that is spooky or something we just repeat until they don't care any more.

[Max]

all I can think of is keep tapping him(not hitting him) and let him buck till he stops. I know that is what we do when we have a horse that is spooky or something we just repeat until they don't care any more.

Casper is right, I would suggest pulling his head around to your nee and just keep tapping him till he quits.There really is no reason for him to be bucking.He's not getting hurt or anything so either he's throwing an attitude or he's scarred or he's having fun because now he doesn't have to do what your telling him to do.

[LyteningColt]

LIke the other person said if it is messin u up dont do it!! maybe he had a bad experience at his old home or if u had him since a foal he just hates it!!

[Casper2002]

Yes but you do not want to avoid something that they are having a problem with. For example if your horse is scared of plastic bags or flags would you avoid them at all costs? Heck no!! You rub them all over them till they are not scared any more. My new colt is terrified of lunge whips someone had beat him good with one. I rubbed and tapped him with it for a few days and now he cares less.

[Bella Cavallo]

I have spurs on and I use a crop because he can be lazy, I use the crop to wake him up, I don't want to have to worry about a buck when I do use it. I like your idea Casper2002. :)

[northwesten]

ok he 5 years old! a crop used to move foreward but i have used it to go oi! but I know that horse well. Anyhow Best you check his back first! see there a problem with him!

spurs no!! I hate spurs and ONLY experianced rider who knows how to use spurs use them. Too many people getting into spurs and they dont know how to use them correctly! leg! and whip best way unless your experiance!

[bethfornow]

casper's idea is good just be careful and make sure you have a good seat cuz this is going to throw him off balance and consequently, maybe throw you off balance. Another idea is to desentitize him. Always carry the crop and every once in a while just tap him with it. rub it on him and just kinda bounce it off his shoulder until he dosn't care. It sounds like he might be anticipating it hurting more than it does and is bucking in advance (like saying ouch before a shot :)) If this is the case, desentizing him should work, if hes just doing it out of habit or anoyance, go with casper.

[dandyroxmysox]

well.
if you have a round pin then i would try just tapping him with it
every once in a while.
every time he bucks make him do a couple really small circles.

you can also try this.
get him all tacked up and ready to go.
then got a crop out and tap him with it a few times.
if he bucks,
yank on his reins.

there is a lot of other simple things you can try.

hope that helps.
good luck.

[Haley]

He's going to have to face the crop at one point, so why not get him used to it now? It probably just startles him. How long has this been going on? If it hasn't been a very long time, I'm sure he'll just get used to it eventually.

[HorseDayz11]

Haley, I am not sure, crops can ruin a horse's trust with it's owner in seconds. My opinion, work him on ground with a carrot stick, get him usesd to that big "crop". Then work him the same with the saddle. When you ride him, carry the crop. Don't use it. If you think you need to, lean forward in your saddle and relax your legs. If you need more speed, wiggle the crop in beside his face, not too close. If he is scared of it, he will see it and pick up speed. Try not to hit him, you may not know his whole history.

[saddleseatsweetie]

not all horses respond well to a crop, i suggest spurs but only like they said if your are experienced with them
how long have you had your horse? what do you know about its training history?
my horse was abused and so we dont use a crop on him because he flips out from it, also he could be doing it because he knows it throws you off, try at all costs to stay focused and dont let the buck effect you and see if that helps. it could also be because he is so young ive ridden plenty of horses that were the same way at his age they all just grew out of it

[crazy4horses]

You should get the same crpo you use and in hand you need to rub it on him/her... and it will make hinm/her get used to the touch and feeling of it. And, even if she does buck you won't be in the saddle. :)