I have a 12 year old ex racehorse. When I first had him he behaved perfectly but was underweight. He is now in perfect condition and has started bronking! He's had his back, feet, tack and teeth checked and everything is ok. I could ride him or exercise him for any amount of time but when excitable or out of nowhere he bronks so much he sends me flying through the air! It's become slightly unnerving as I never quite know when he is going to do it. He is fed 2 haynets a day and a small dish of sugar free food to mix his joint and calm powder in (to try to stop his antics). He stays out daily in the field and comes in over night, he is put on the walker too. He is a very nice natured horse and you wouldn't expect him to put on such a performance when he gets going, is there anything I can do to stop his habit?
Answers (1)
More groundwork :) Lunge your horse with a dummy on his back and when he starts bucking as him to go in a smaller circle. Under saddle circle him when he starts to tense, make him do serpentines. Gain his trust on the ground and remain calm. :D Sometimes we overreact without even thinking we are. Also have another person with more riding years ride him and get their opinions. It is always great getting someone elses opinion on a horse.