When will this stop...

[Vibe]

Uughhh.. I've got the biggest head, heart, and side ache. Dolly Went on a bucking frenzy Again! She threw me, and kicked me on the way down.. I almost held on, I tried to pull her head to the side and get control of her but she spun around and gave me terrible rope burn.... *Sigh* This is getting ridiculous. I haven't felt confident on her since I got her. But I can get on any strangers horse and feel like a pro. I don't get it, I love Dolly so much but I think she is to much for me. I just want a calm, slow, lazy trail horse... I can't stop crying, I just don't know what to do.

[WashingtonBay]

Oh dear. I'm so sorry.

I don't ride bucking horses myself. Not any more. Older folk hurt even more when they come off. ;)

What have you done to get to the root of it? Is there a particular trigger or any chance it's a saddle fit issue?

If she's too much for you, is a few months of training an option?

[BalooEyes]

I agree with WB, would it be an option to send her to a trainer for a few months (one that will work with you too)? Or could you get lessons on her from an instructor?

Its hard to make that decision. I had to with my TWH. Bailey was too green for me in too many ways and just not headed in the direction of what I wanted to do. I needed a steady, energetic, yet dependable trail horse.

[JackieB]

I'm really sorry. Dolly is such a beautiful horse and you obviously love her so much, but you have to stay safe.

[FatSpottedAppy]

I'm really sorry LoveX. I will tell you that you have a lot of guts and determination and that's something to be prod of. like the people above mentioned, is a trainer an option?

[BalooEyes]

Also, if she's not prone to rearing and you can't get her head around, have you tried A LOT of leg and pulling her head up? Its harder for her to buck if her head is up.

Any tack issues? teeth? soreness? feed changes?

[GrungeEquestrian]

Don't give up, like WB said it may be a saddle issue, try to get to the bottom of it. You are also dealing with a mare, who have their days that they can be a PITA. I know a lot of people who won't ride a mare, but I haven't met a person how won't ride a gelding. Trouble did the same thing a month after I got her, I never did figure out what exactly caused the problem, it could be a mix of many things...seeing who was boss...sore feet. Don't give up on Dolly maybe a month with the trainer would be good...everyone on the forum is here to help!

Also...when Trouble tries to throw me I pull her head into my knee and let her circle...I do this even when I feel her tense up and ready to explode...it has helped keep me on and Trouble seems to have gotten it through her head that bucking is no longer an option with much affect.

[Buckpoco]

I'm so sorry to hear about your fall. It's so, so scary to get on a horse that you think will buck. Does it usually happen right away or after you've been on a while? As WB said, could you get some professional help? It could be pain or very poor basic training.:(

[Cat]

I'm so sorry to hear this and I hope you heal soon.

Unfortunately NO horse is worth your life and future over. This is why we had to sell my husband's first horse. Too high-energy for my husband and had a tendency to bolt at the littlest thing. We found him a home - gave him away for free actually - to someone with more exprience than we had at the time and they got him into shape so well that he is now being used as a confidence builder for another person. Its just amazing to hear about the change in him. It was the best decision for my husband and the horse.

[Vibe]

Thanks so much everyone, it feels so good to hear from you all after my upsetting day. I didn't do anything different than I usually do. I actually fixed the saddle and pad issue. We were in the round pen like always I did everything normal.. *sigh* unfortunately professional training isn't an option, I don't have that kind of money.:( I was mounting on Dolly and she just got into her regular attitude spell and off she went. I just HATE the thought so much!! I am a beginner rider and Dolly is an advanced horse. I love her so much, but I know some one else could be amazing with her. That person is not me. (I'm tearing up again.) I hate the thought of selling her but I think that is whats best for me and Dolly. I just don't know if I can do it.. Sorry this is so unorganized I just can't get a hold of myself..

[cloedoll]

It sounds like to me you have already made up your mind, but don't give up quite yet. Winter is coming, I don't *think* many people buy horses in the winter, so how about instead of typing up a sale ad and waiting to hear back from people you start fresh with her? Start with groundwork and work your way up, get her to respect you, demand it. When I say that, I don't mean roundpenning her (although that may help, but I don't think it's the answer to everything), demand it from her with everything you do! After you feel confident with everything you would do in the saddle on the ground, move back to being in the saddle. Start slow, build your confidence with her, make sure you aren't skipping any steps or looking over anything. Make sure she knows what she should know and you feel confident at the walk/halt, then move up to a trot and so on. Come Spring time, if you feel there could be hope, keep it up! If you know (and you know when you know) this isn't it, that you two would be better off not together, then I think it would be best that way. However, if you don't want to work at it (that's 100% fine, it's not the route for everyone...I can completely understand), then don't put yourself through this stress. If you are going to try again, check the saddle fit, rule out any issues (teeth need floated, tack fit, sore, etc.) before moving on. I'm not sure your experience, would you consider yourself a green rider or do you think you can get Dolly to where she needs to be? What exactly are her issues/problems?

Big hugs! I know how hard this is, I have been through it with Cloe.

[Blue]

I'm sorry you're having to make this decision. :( I know how you feel, when I had Darby he bucked me off many times and I lost ALL my confidence with any horse. We did sell him, it took a while but I found him a good home.

[Vibe]

Thanks Cloedoll, I am going to work with her. I just don't know if I have any more confidence to lose.. And I am sore as heck today!! I found some more bruises from were mine and Dolly's legs got tangled on the way down..:doh:

Thank you JGH I am glad some ones been there *Sigh* Dolly is my first real horse. That is why I am so attached. I don't like to ride her.. :( Ever since I got her its been like that.. I have leased horses before and just LOVED to ride every day, I wasn't scared or nervous at all! I just don't understand..

[cloedoll]

Well, whatever decision you make, the forum is here for you! I don't want your confidence to be zero, though. Horses are meant to be fun! Whatever you think is the best choice. =)

[Vibe]

Aww, thank so much!! I really want Dolly to work out, I just think I am pushing it.. I am going to give it another go but I have re-started her with ground work and up two times since I have had her.. Once taking 9 months. As much as I want this to work out there is only so much I can do. As I said Dolly may just be to much horse for me.

[vicklynn]

Oh hon, I am sorry to hear of your situation with Dolly. I know you love her dearly.
The thing I picked up on is, you are a beginner and she is advanced. Unless training or classes can make you 2 come together, I dont see that a good package.

When searching for a horse for my green husband, I let him look, I picked. I got the easiest, most mellow mannered horse I could find. I hung off her, got on like I was drunk, ext. They are hard to come by, sometimes cost a few bucks more than you are willing to spend, but they are worth every penny, and worth your smile and health.

I do hope that you are ok, and that you figure out what you need to do for you and her.
((HUGS))

[oursarge]

I was going to suggest a good trainer but since it's not an option I'm no help. If you read the thread about who you most admire you will read about my friend. I've seen her take horses who have bucked their owners off at every turn and make them into a horse I can ride. It takes alot of work. Her theory is if the horse knows it can get you off you're going off because every time you go off you get more scared. I've seen her ride horses that try to get her off but once they can't then they settle down. Once she gets them where she wants them then she starts working with the owner and horse together, then watches the owner alone then sends them home to keep working on what they've been taught and she has alot of success. I've seen her do it with rearing horses too. People drive hrs to have her work with their horses.

I wish that I could tell you what she does, I can't tell, it's so slight it's hard to tell. I can tell when the horse wants her off but after 2 yrs I still can't tell what she's doing to the horse. A good trainer that doesn't charge alot would maybe be able to help, I wish that was an option for you since it's sad to think of you selling a horse you love but yet you don't want to get hurt or worse on a bucking horse that will probably continue to buck now that she knows she can.

I really hope it works out. She is beautiful but beautiful doesn't help if you can't ride her. I feel so bad.

[Dixie]

Wow, I'm sorry Dolly is giving you such a rough ride and hard time. I would agree to a trainer being needed if it isn't some other issue with her.

When you say she is advanced, what exactly do you mean? How was she ridden before you got her, how old is she(sorry I know I should know this but my memory is horrid).

I have met a good many horses that once they figure out they can get a person off, will do it just because they can. Dad liked putting me on those types, he claimed I had a velcro butt. I will admit that when they couldn't get me off, they generally stopped the foolishness and went right about riding just fine. Now days though, I've lost that young rider that could stick like that and as much as I used to enjoy climbing on one that wanted to buck back then, I don't anymore. I'd rather not go through it ya know?

If you do feel you need to sell her, don't blame yourself or her. Sometimes no matter how much we love a horse, love won't keep us safe and it isn't fair to the person or the horse to keep them just because of that in situations like this. If you can work her through it and want to, awesome as well. Whichever you decide is best for you and her, will be the right choice. Just remember that sometimes the right choice is not the easiest. Many hugs to you!

[mtnmollie]

Uughhh.. I've got the biggest head, heart, and side ache. Dolly Went on a bucking frenzy Again! She threw me, and kicked me on the way down..

I had a Morgan horse do that to me- he was gone with in a week.

Too many good horses out there needing a home for me to be messing with the ones who will hurt yah. But then again- I'm about 55 and not getting any younger. :cowboy:

[JackieB]

I don't like to ride her.. :( Ever since I got her its been like that.. I have leased horses before and just LOVED to ride every day, I wasn't scared or nervous at all!

I know that feeling. I think most of us probably have at some time or another. And it's awful. We don't have to ride horses for a living. It's something we should enjoy and find challenging, but relaxing and refreshing.

Dolly is a gorgeous horse and I can see why it hurts so much. But safety comes first. If you have to let her go to a good home, please try not to be too sad, and definitely don't be hard on yourself. I'm sure there is a horse out there for you, even if it's not Dolly.

[WashingtonBay]

Thanks for the 'more background'. I'm sorry that you say training is not an option but I hope you'll seriously consider it. Find out how much it would cost before you say no... get some recommendations from locals of someone who has one of those velcro butts Dixie talks about and a good way with horses, to help her, and you, for a couple of months at least.

I've seen green riders and green horses work it out, but without help and training it's very very hard and depends a whole lot on how much abuse your body can take. Look at Patriots (who is not all that green) and how injuries can happen in a moment. Then re-evaluate how a thousand dollars or so for a couple months of training might have been money better spent.

I think your horse is beautiful, remarkably so, and it might be that you will end up still feeling mismatched. If so, I don't think she'd be hard to sell, unless she's gotten even better at bucking people off. Whatever happens, don't let her get worse. I like cloe's advice, I know what she means and I agree. Become very businesslike with this horse. Expect discipline, handle her with discipline. In your ground work, in your lunging, in everything. This horse needs to learn she can't express every emotion she feels the moment she feels it. She needs to learn composure and temper. I would lunge her and make it controlled and a bit challenging. Work her on precision and obedience and NO MORE OUTBURSTS, ever. Bucking well is learned, believe me. The more they do it the better they get at it. No bucking and running on the lunge, no bucking or outbursts ever once the halter goes on. That's how you can begin to prepare her for a better future under saddle, and don't be in a hurry. When you get back up, you have to be much more confident than you are now that you can handle whatever she wants to do, before she does it.




My two cents.

[Buckpoco]

If professional help is not an option, I think I would look for a good home at some point for this horse. I've ridden my whole life, did some showing, tons of trail riding...but four years ago I had a horse who had issues...we couldn't figure out what was wrong. He would explode, and he ended up breaking my knee, leg and ankle. I no longer own him. It was heart breaking to sell him but... your safety does come first. I now have a horse that I really can enjoy and relax on.

I'm a baby boomer and all those past injuries are really hurting. I look back and wish I had been more choosy about the horses I rode. When I was younger I did lots of jumping, had many crashes and I thought I didn't get hurt badly...but now, as I'm older, those past injuries hurt a lot.
I'd advise anyone to do what they to keep from getting hurt. The pain intensifies as you get older...not worth it.

[KittySawrus]

Aw hon, I wish I could give you advice :( I've never been in that situation before...hope I never have to be.

Vicklynn made a good point - perhaps she is too advanced for you. I used to the entertain the idea of getting a challenging horse and growing my experience with it...but I know now there would be too many challenges for me to face.

cloedoll made some good suggestions about restarting your groundwork. You say you've already tried twice - third time's a charm? If you really want this there's no reason not to give it another go. And if all else fails, trying an instructor could be beneficial to you both - even if there was someone else with a good equine eye that could watch you two together and try to pick out the little things, that could help. Scraping together some cash even for just a couple of sessions, to see if they are any good, could be fairly easy if you cut back in some areas.

Best of luck! Wish I had some better advice for you. (>")>

[shewasmyshadow]

What about doing a free lease to an experienced rider for the winter? Or a 1/2 lease? Lots of college kids need horses for their school projects. Maybe you could find one that needs to work on a "problem" horse. You would get free training and they would get free use of a horse. Just a thought... If you try this route use craigslist.

[Chavhorse]

Oh I'm sorry that you are going through this, been there recently and I know it is very very hard.....

After 6 months rehabilitating Challenger my rescued OTTB I kept refusing to accept that as much as I loved him on the ground he scared the wotsits off me whenever I sat on him....he was very very unpredictable, and I was starting to make exceuses to not ride and was basically not enjoying being around him.

It took a very nasty fall when he bolted with me where I broke my Collar bone, knee and received a head injury that finally made me say enough! and put him up for sale.....he has gone, with full disclosure to a knowledgeable home and seems to be doing well there.

Sometimes and it is a tough decision you just have to accept you don't gel. I have seen too many people struggle on with horses that don't suit them getting more and more hurt both physically and emotionally.......I know it is tough I no way wanted to give up on Challenger and it took my Husband effectivly saying no way ,no more, not that horse ever again that made me think long and hard.

I now have my 3.5 year old boy Nevada and have regained my love of being around horses, he makes me smile and he makes me laugh.....he is a real laid back dude and I love to spend time with him.

So I suppose I am saying....think long and hard, you can love a horse but realise that it is not your perfect match, do not risk your wellbeing and do not risk your love of horses being damaged.

[Vibe]

Grrrrr.. I thought the tears were over. Obviously they aren't, :rolleyes: I am so upset. So this must mean I shouldn't sell her right.. I appreciate all the comments and words of wisdom so much. Well I think I am going to give it another go, No more Love, affection and letting Dolly get away with anything. I am going to the barn today a whole new person, alot more stern and firm. What ever it takes, we'll get through it.
I think I will save up my Christmas money and get some training for both me and Dolly... Oh and a helment..(I still have a headache and knot on the back of my head..:rolleyes:)

[Blue]

Be safe! I have an extra helmet you can have btw (if it'll fit you, I have a big head). :)

Just because you're sad about selling her doesn't mean you shouldn't. I bawled my eyes out when Darby left but I was TERRIFIED of that horse. Like I would be scared to blanket him and stuff! Yea, it was bad. Just do what you think is right. I tried to work through me and Darby's problems but I couldn't, he was too much horse for me, he would rear up if I just sat on him. :o But then again I had no horse savvy adult supervision. I think it's great that you're trying to work through her problems and saving up! Isn't there a good natural horsemanship trainer over there...Ed Dabney or something? Maybe you could contact him and muck stalls and exercise horses in exchange for help? Just an idea. :) GOOD LUCK GIRL!

[starkitten]

The first horse I had every intention of buying did that stuff to me too (I had the good opportunity of getting to work with her for awhile before I actually bought her). I finally decided enough was enough - I was dang scared of all horses for awhile after that.

Just take a step back and do some thinking before you make any decisions. Be careful - we don't want you hurt...

[jeezitsjacki]

oh no im sorry this is happening to you. Maybe professonal training isnt an option but can you send her off to a close friend or someone you know who is maybe better equipped for something like this?

I hope you get your confidence back.. maybe just slow down a bit

[Country Girl 43]

I'm sorry to hear about your accident. I know what you are going through, but I'm not really a green rider, just an older rider who doesn't bounce anymore...:)

I had the same thing happen this weekend. My 8 yr old mare just blew up for no reason and with no warning. I can ride through the bucking but I don't like a horse that rears up. Mine did both on Sunday but I rode it out. Whew! I am sore today!! Several people were screaming at me to "Get off" but....if I had done that she would have learned that if she explodes she will get whoever off her back! Now, I know a few things that factor into my horses blow up.....1) she hasn't been ridden in almost 2 months and 2) She was very tender footed at that point. Once I put boots on her, she was more comfortable and didn't try to buck.

The difference with yours and my situation, is I can guess WHY my horse blew up and I can adjust or fix it.

I also have a 4 yr old paint that has bucked several times. I stayed on him too. He is young and green so I kind of expect a little outburst here and there till he is finished, but he knows he's gonna be in trouble if he tries to get me off his back. HE has no excuse for bucking.

If you are not confident in riding your horse, then it will transfer to your horse and THEY have won the battle. YOU need to take control and show her who is boss! If you can't do it and just want a large pasture pet that is fine, but if you have any thoughts of riding, you need to work that horse EVERY day. You should do lots of ground work for at least 2 weeks before getting back on, and you need to have Dolly's FULL attention.

If you are too scared to work her and can't get a trainer and you want a horse you can ride, then you may have to do what is right for you and Dolly and find a horse you feel comfortable riding and let Dolly go to someone who can handle her. We can all give you helpful advise but you have to go with your heart on what you are capable of doing.

Best of luck to you in whatever you decide.:)

[farmers_wife]

Sorry to hear about Dolly. I know what you mean when you say that you are a begginer and she is for an experiance rider. I had my first horse and finally sold him because he was not for me. I was going to a trainer and taking lessons on him. The trainer said that he is going to hurt me and that is when I decided to sell him. Of course I got my Dolly (looks just like yours) who was a lesson horse. She taught me a lot. Well good luck with your decision.

[Miracle Whip]

It takes a special person to ride a mustang. They are not "slow, lazy trail horses"
If that is what you want, then sell her and buy a WESTERN pleasure horse... a mustang, I am sorry to say, is quite the challenge for anyone.

[Vibe]

Yea,... I agree with you Miracle Whip. I am still a green rider myself. Dolly needs a job that is much more demanding than the occasional trail ride.