Bucking Horse!

[wild stallion]

We have a 20(Ish) year old gelding and he recently started bucking. He has not been doing this before and it seems like he might be in pain. He has a nerve problem in his foot, but after getting special shoes from the farrier, he has done fine for a couple months [until now]. He has been getting harder to catch, but other than that has never had this problem [while in our care, which has been for about 6 months, but we know the previous owner well]. We are thinking it may be a back problem or mouth problem because he has been really annoyed by his bit for the past couple of days. Is there any non-expensive way to check if it is back or mouth pain? Should we stay off of him for a couple of months? There is also a slight chance that it is a behavioral problem. We have been getting back on him, so he does not think he is being rewarded, but we were wondering whether that is a good idea since we do not know whether its pain or behavior? Please if you have any other advice on how to train him better as well, please let me know.

 

[Baymule]

Try riding him in a pen with a hackamore. Then he won’t be fighting a bit. He could have teeth problems.

On his back, go along his spine, pressing with your fingers. You might find a sore spot.

Without a physical exam by a vet , it’s hard to really tell what is going on with him.

 

[Mini Horses]

Agree.

 

[wild stallion]

Thanks for the advice. Will try it.

 

[Vienna_201]

Any improvement since you posted?

 

[wild stallion]

Any improvement since you posted?

Sorry... Its been a while, but Yes, kind of...
He improved a little bit, but through the winter we weren't riding him as much [cause of ice/snow and his feet problems].
He really was my sister's horse, but she decided to give him back [cause he was getting expensive] to the previous owner [a family member], who gave him to us on kind of a permanent loan saying he will take back the horse any time. So, he is not in our care anymore. From what I know, though, he hasn't had much of a bucking problem since...
(Very sorry for not responding sooner. Its almost been a year)

 

[emily7788]

First, check his mouth for dental issues and his back for any signs of discomfort. Give him some time off to rest if needed. If it's behavioral, work on trust-building exercises gradually. Prioritize his health and well-being.