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Bucking at lead changes?
I recently started riding an Appaloosa named Skippy in February. He's 17 years old. For two months we did only flat work in the ring, and some walking trail rides. We started jumping at the very end of March. He hasn't jumped in about four years (he used to jump over three feet, with flying lead changes and all that jazz), and he was really great. Now we can trot and canter fences without rushing, and he's been doing really well.
My only problem is the flying lead changes. Whenever I ask for them, he starts bucking and going a little crazy. I'm pretty sure it's not out of pain - his saddle fits well, he's in good shape, his bit fits him well - but out of excitement maybe, because he hasn't done them lately (his owner doesn't usually do more than walk-trot on the flat with him.) He does them well - I can see that he has the ability to be an auto lead changer - but bucks when he does them. How can I make him calm down with the lead changes? Should I go back to simple changes? We've only done flying changes while jumping - should I do them on the flat? My instructor told me to only do them while jumping.
Yesterday I fell off because of one of his bucks (don't worry, got back on, jumped it again, nobody's hurt). How can I stop him from bucking?
3 Answers
- Anonymous1 decade agoFavorite Answer
Are you using a strong leg to get the change? If so that is causing him the pain and he can't physically do the change so all he knows is "ouch pain = buck (get off me/stop doing that)".
Go back to simple changes.
Only attempt a flying change when he can do a simple change with two steps in between canters. And this is a neat and clean simple change.
For jumping try to get him to land on the lead you want by using your leg and/or opening rein aid over the fence. If he doesn't get it then do a simple change.
Source(s): SAMD - Anonymous1 decade ago
try this.
forget the flying lead change for awhile
begin in the arena with walking...trotting figure 8's.
Then progress to a right lead canter. but DO NOT attempt a flying change. When it is time to change. Come to a halt...ask for the left lead and see if he has a problem.
Practice full halt lead changes until he is comfortable with that...
Then advance to half halt lead changes...where he "almost" stops and then ask for the change.
I don't think he understands, and your cues may be a little strong.
Give him some time to learn this new skill.
Patience
Source(s): ridin' 40+ years...and still learning :) - 1 decade ago
i knew some horses that did this were green in the flying change department..i think you should work with him more on the changes on the flat...it may help them smooth out and he'll be more comfortable/familiar with them...