Help please! I have a nappy horse!

[April86]

Hi, I'm new to this site and am after advice for my lovely horse that has recently been trying out new tricks on me. Having been bucked off at my hunter trials yesterday I am desperate for other people's opinions, anything would be greatly appreciated.
I couldn't warm up yesterday beacuse my horse got so excited then when I went round the course, everything was fine until number 4 where on landing I got humped off rather nastily. Anybody got any advice!?

[HappyHorse13]

That's not good. Hope you're okay.

Um....try pro help? Firm up a bit. Calming supplements? Or, your horse could be in pain. Try a Vet Check.

Is it a mare? Was she in season, maybe?

Hope this helps and that you're okay.

[Manda]

I agree with HappyHorse. How long have you had your horse? Is it normal for he/she to act like that? If not, it might be in distress, I'd have a vet come out.

[Skip_n_Hide]

i also agree with happyhorse... theres some good stuff around that can help! :p

[Lacey]

Hi, I had the same problem with my mare, If after a vet check everythings given the ok, I would try lunging her before riding at a show, just for five minutes to let her get used to her surroundings, if this isnt possible just walking her round for a while would have the same effect.
Be confident, your horse will know if your nervous and will get nervous too.

This worked with my mare, hope it works for you! :)

[gatorrugbyplayer05]

Don't use calming supplements right away. You need to figure out why she's behaving the way she is. Get a full vet check on her back, teeth, and legs looking for anywhere she might be sore. Get her tack checked. If she only acts up away from home, I would back off showing for awhile. Get her going nicely at home w/t/c and over fences. Then take her off the farm, but ONLY when she's going quitely at home. Don't plan on competing, or even riding, but bring your tack. IF she behaves nicely walking around the grounds and taking in the show atmosphere, get on and school her. Just school though, don't compete. Do this for a few shows if you have to until she's totally relaxed, then you can think about competing again. Also, if you don't have a trainer, then start working with one. Don't use any medications/calming supplements until you get an experts opinion(and by this I don't mean your horsey friend whose been riding a year longer than you- I mean a qualified trainer or vet).

[Horse_Trainer_101]

I agree with Lacey... NOT gatorrugbyplayer05

you shouldnt have do this JUST because your horse is acting up in the show ring. YES have a vet check your horse for all signs of soreness and also make sure your tack is fitting properly! Lounging and walking a horse around before hand is alot more efective than doing all sorta of work, yes gatorrugbyplayer05 is right about working the horse, IF this horse is a handful and does this all the time, this is NOT by the way ur case, this just came up so i think you need to make sure you are giving the right ques and such. you horse may also have stage fright, in other works working in front of alot of people makes them act differently, trust me on this, ive been in the rodeo scene, clinics, show ring, and MANY compititions so i know what im talking about. Go with ur instinic on this one!

Keep Your Dream Alive :p

[Skip_n_Hide]

I agree with Lacey... NOT gatorrugbyplayer05

you shouldnt have do this JUST because your horse is acting up in the show ring. YES have a vet check your horse for all signs of soreness and also make sure your tack is fitting properly! Lounging and walking a horse around before hand is alot more efective than doing all sorta of work, yes gatorrugbyplayer05 is right about working the horse, IF this horse is a handful and does this all the time, this is NOT by the way ur case, this just came up so i think you need to make sure you are giving the right ques and such. you horse may also have stage fright, in other works working in front of alot of people makes them act differently, trust me on this, ive been in the rodeo scene, clinics, show ring, and MANY compititions so i know what im talking about. Go with ur instinic on this one!

Keep Your Dream Alive :p

I agree... it makes sense! :p

[Horse_Trainer_101]

skip n hind

THANK YOU

[rebelelite]

I'm new to the community but I wanted to put my two cents in:

Your horse may just have needed that warm up you were not able to give him/her. Some horse's (including my own) will give a little buck off the jump when excited or nervous. If you're not prepared for it, well...I guess you already know what happens. Maybe the next time you show, try to arrange to haul your horse there the day before so you can ride the arena in a less busy environment. If that's not possible, try to show with a friend who has a horse yours is familiar with and warm up together. Horse's get nervous and need you for emotional support.

Of course I would check your saddle fit and maybe arrange for a pro fitter or chiro to come out and check just in case. It's an affordable solution and if the saddle isn't the case you can mark that off the list. Also, check your pad. I check mine every time but once had a tiny peice of bedding between my horse's back and the pad and he went all rodeo on me.

I hope you're ok and it works out for you :)

[Patootie]

How many times has your horse been to a show or event? For many horses it takes a while, before they become comfortable in strange surroundings.
Or maybe your horse has too much energy, what are you feeding him?

[HappyHorse13]

Good Advice, Rebelite!

By the way your horse is beautiful!

[rebelelite]

Good Advice, Rebelite!

By the way your horse is beautiful!

Thanks alot:)

[beth_agnew]

I agree with Lacey,Horse_Trainer_101,Skip_n_Hide,rebelite and happyhorse13 NOT Glatorugbykeeper05! ps:Good advice rebelite! ;)