HorseWise: Bucking at the Canter

Q    My horse tends to buck and misbehave when cantering. This happens mostly when we are going to the left. Any suggestions?

A    This problem rears its ugly head frequently with novice riders. The increased pace of the canter and resulting instability of the rider magnify problems that might not be seen in the walk or trot.

First, it is wise to rule out any physical discomfort that could contribute to your horse’s behaviour. Some ideas:

Teeth: Have your vet check for irregularities that could cause pain, especially when traveling to the left. 

Back: Chiropractic care, acupuncture, and medications prescribed by your vet are some typical approaches to a back pain diagnosis. An ultrasound may uncover internal problems such as an ovarian cyst. Joint pain may also motivate a horse to buck in search of relief.

Saddle: Pressure points caused by an ill-fitting saddle can affect your horse the way uncomfortable shoes affect you. Talk to a reputable saddle maker for some guidelines to determine proper fit. As a compromise, I choose a gel pad to accommodate a saddle that’s not custom-made for my horse.