Apollo BUCKED. Under saddle. *gasp!*
I have to laugh, though. It was a straight up and down buck, not the buck and twist that Reveille could get going. He didn't drop his shoulder, just humped up and bucked. Hee.
He only did it at the canter, only late in the ride, only on the right lead, and only three or four strides after the depart. He bucked a little; I said "quit that" and asked for the transition again. He bucked again; I growled "Stoppit," took off my spurs so as not to be inadvertently spurring him and causing it, and asked for the transition again. He bucked a bigger buck; I said "FUCKING STOP THAT!", hopped off, and longed him at a canter for several minutes. He didn't really want to canter or keep the canter, but I had to make a point. I'd already conceded the point by dismounting, but even though I wasn't having any trouble riding the bucks, I don't need a fall right now. So I found a different solution.
So we'll see how he is today, whether he's sore or what. I hope it was just attitude after not getting ridden Wednesday.
How's his left hind?
ReplyDeleteGiven your comment a few posts ago about how reluctant he is to bend/step under to the left, and then his buck-fest on the right lead I'm wondering if he's objecting to loading that left hind?
I'm the queen of horses with 'tude and not injuries, so I get that it very well could be that, but it could be that something hurts, or maybe it's a weakness that expresses itself when he's just getting going, or tired at the end of a ride...
tuesday morning quarterback from a million miles away :)
His left hind hasn't shown any sensitivity or heat, but I'll check it specifically tonight.
DeleteI'm thinking it could be a combination of weakness/tiredness toward the end of the ride, actually, or it could be that he needs a chiro and bodywork appointment. I need to check on how much our chiro charges, actually. And hopefully Doug Hannum will be coming out to the barn soon -- I think that would do a million bucks' worth of good for Apollo.
And no worries; I am open to suggestions! Plus, you're a good resource. :)
And I need to comment on your entry about Star, but: I am so sorry you had to let her go. I'm so glad you had her and that she had you for so many years. She'll be waiting across the Rainbow Bridge for you.
Remember he is a thoroughbred doesn't matter how kind or calm they are and will have there thoroughbred moments.
ReplyDeleteYeah. I'm figuring it was just ponytude. We'll see how he is tonight! He got sweaty last night, so he might be a little less enthusiastic tonight. :)
DeleteLol those TB's always have a little sass to hand out ;)
ReplyDeleteIt's kind of nice, actually. :) Not like Rev's sass!
DeleteI don't know Pollo super well, but Cuna will buck with me if he thinks I'm making too many mistakes or (GOD FORBID) pulling on his face. He's a terrible bucker and it always makes me laugh, but yeah. He's telling you something.
ReplyDeleteHere's to a pony 'tude.
Yeah. He might trying to say I AM DONE WITH THIS NOW or maybe LEARN TO RIDE, LADY. ;)
DeleteI totally agree with how you handled it. =) Does he buck and play when he gets turned out? Maybe he needs to give himself a chiropractic adjustment with the help of a turnout and you with a longe whip.
ReplyDelete