Despite all the benefits, there are still some horses that are reluctant when it comes to the canter. This can be due to a physical problem. Such as lack of muscular strength, back pain or problems in the area around the SI joint.
Usually, a horse bucking under the saddle has a reason; the usual culprit and easiest to avoid is a bit too much feed and not enough exercise. Another is the need to escape some sort of pressure; whether this is physical pain or badly fitting gear.
If the horse isn't strong enough, he will be uncomfortable and will show you that by bucking when you ask for canter or in the middle of cantering. The best way to accomplish a shift in balance toward the hind legs is to make frequent use of a REAL half-halt. No, a half-halt isn't pulling back on the reins halfway.
Many lazy horses develop this habit when they get behind the leg: They respond sluggishly and sullenly to leg aids instead of willingly and promptly. Instead of going forward, they protest by bucking.
Feeling Awesome:
Horses will buck when they are feeling positive or exuberant. It's an expression piece of their behaviour. Your pony wants to show the world how good they are feeling. Normally, these types of bucks are short and won't continue.
Signs of aggression include ears flattened backward, retracted lips, rapid tail movements, snaking, pawing, head bowing, fecal pile display, snoring, squealing, levade (rearing with deeply flexed hindquarters), and threats to kick.
If your horse is pulling the reins out of your hands by putting its head down suddenly, your horse is likely doing something called "rooting". Canny school horses can learn a few evasion tactics in an effort to get out of work and rooting is just one of those tactics.
Riding the circle will help her maintain a steady tempo. Once she can maintain a circle, do a circle and then canter several strides down the long side and begin another circle. Always take care not to wait too long before going on a circle so that you don't end up causing her to revert to her previous behavior.
Poor saddle fit can cause your horse to misbehave in many different ways and is often overlooked. If your saddle is pinching or concentrating pressure in one area, your horse's back can become very sensitive and cause it to buck. Be as careful about fitting your horse's saddle as you would buying yourself new shoes.
Given the instinctive and defensive nature of this behaviour it is also not uncommon for horses to buck when they get scared, when they feel pain or when they are trying to get rid of an insect that is bothering them. Some horses are more prone to this behaviour that others.
Most, but not all, horses with obvious dental problems show signs such as fussing with the bit, head-tossing, bit-chewing, refusing to take a lead or collect, bucking, or subtle performance changes. Other horses with severe dental problems don't seem to care.
In canter, it gets a bit more difficult because the legs lie in a different position on the horse's belly and they are used in a different rhythm than in the other gaits: The inner leg stays on the girth and the outside leg goes behind the girth.
Move confidently and slowly when approaching a horse; walk, never run. Approach the horse from the front, toward their shoulder. Speak to the horse when approaching and extend your hand. Never approach a horse from the rear.
Some horses find it easier to trot. These horses tend to have long, swinging strides with hind legs that step well underneath the body. Some horses prefer the canter. These horses tend to be more short-coupled and enjoy the bouncy jump associated with this gait.
Bouncing in a canter can be because your stirrups are at the wrong length. When the stirrups are too long, you end up reaching for them which leaves your lower legs less stable. This can cause you to grip with your thighs and knees which makes for the bouncing movement.
Why do horses nudge you? Have you ever been nudged by a horse? Horses use body language to communicate with humans (and other horses), and one of the ways they do this is through touch. Nudging is a way for a horse to get your attention, which can signify affection or impatience.
Head tilt in the horse is commonly a sign of either central or peripheral vestibular disease. The confirmation of vestibular disease is based on physical findings, including results of cranial-nerve function evaluation and observation of stance, posture, and gait.
Why do horses toss their heads? Horses toss their heads for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common reasons are dental problems, physical ailments, biting bugs, improper bit or saddle fit, too much energy, or poor handling on part of the rider.
Dominance occurs when a horse forces the other to move against its will. One horse will move its body in the direction of or in contact with the other forcing it to move. Fighting usually occurs when the dominant horse is challenged by the other horse not moving, or responding aggressively.
When a horse cocks his leg, he rests the leading edge of the hoof on the ground and drops his hip. When combined with a lowered head or ears hanging to the side, this is the sign of a horse who is relaxed and resting. You may see him occasionally shift his weight, uncocking that back leg and cocking the other one.
A number 5 means the horse is right in the middle, with a “warm” demeanor. On a five-point scale, this warm demeanor will be at number 3. Lower temperament scale horses are dependable, calm, and often unflappable. Higher temperament scale horses are more quick, eager, and somewhat unpredictable.