How to stop a BUCKING HORSE!

If you plan to go horseback riding then always stay alert! Most horses are a dream come true. However, if you happen to get into a situation where the horse begins to BUCK, then follow these steps. Soon the horse will have no choice but to STOP!

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Courage

1. This works best if you are riding in a western saddle. However use these tips however you choose to ride. Make sure before you ride that your tack is properly fitted to avoid and pinches, stings, or pokes. The first step is to watch your horse's behavior closely. Is the horse finicky, personable, irritable, quick to run, or slow?
2. As your are riding watch out for: the horse pinning it's ears back, then turning it's head slightly toward you and glancing at you or at the same time dropping it's head quickly to the ground, or even tensing up under the saddle and moving around. If you notice or feel these things then the horse may be about to BUCK!
3. However there may be no signs that you notice...it takes a watchful eye. When a horse bucks, it kicks it's legs into the the air very powerfully and drops it's head at the same time. The motive of the horse is to get you off of it's back, to kick a horse next to it, or it is responding to something wrong with the saddle such as pinching, stinging, or poking sensations.
4. When a horse begins to BUCK: Immediately pull the reins back as far and tight as you can to lift the horses head up high. The horse cannot physically buck if it's head is up high...or can't do it well. Hold onto the saddle horn if you can and point you heals down and toes up hard to stand in the saddle. This balances you in the saddle so that you do not BUCK with the horse, rather the horse BUCKS under you. You may lean back a little to get this balance. Work you hardest to get the horses HEAD UP, that is the main goal. HOLD ON, until the horse stops. If the horse does not stop then take one rein and pull the horses head all the way to the left or the right so that the horse can only go in a circle.
5. Once the horse has stopped be very careful and soothly talk to the horse. If you are forced to continue to ride then carefully proceed and repeat this tip. Take very soothing actions and use a soothing tone of voice. NO KICKING, WHIPPING, or FITS. The horse feels this and will respond. If you can get off then check the saddle and tack, or arrange for a new horse.
6. Happy trails!

Tips & Warnings

• Contact a professional and obtain riding lessons and education.
• Ride with a fitted bridle that has a safe bit or hackamor.
• Consult a professional.
• Never ride alone.
• Do not ride a horse that bucks if possible.
• Do not ride using a halter.