Horse prefer a certain rider?

Al has been "feeling his oats" lately. When the BO upped his grain to 2 scoops a day, he said he will become a bit more "energetic". While he was at one scoop, he was fine. I took him out alone most of the time on the trails. No prob.

In the last week or two, he has bucked 3 times with DH on. DH has had 15 horses vs my one in his life. There is nothing he can't or won't ride. Infact, the peppier, the better. These were not huge bucks, but bucks they were. And only once each time. On one ride, he continued for a few miles actually after the buck. Cantered and Al never did it again. Head trainer there said he is just feeling better than he ever has. And he is. He is looking wonderful. Put on weight and just has improved so much. She suggested we longe him before we ride....that didn't work out too great. He bucked and actually got away from DH and trotted around the arena. He did do well for a bit, but he is a hard head.

Now, we have backed his grain down to 1/2 am and 1/2 pm (scoops) instead of the two scoops. I think this will take him back to a good place. He was on 2 scoops (Nutrena Complete) because he is on a wt gaining program. He still needs to put on about 30-50 lbs. He didn't start this bucking deal either until oh maybe 3-4 weeks after the upping of the grain. Time wise, it makes sense.

So I was wondering.....have you ever heard a horse prefers one rider over another? I am the gentle, loving person. DH is the no nonsence one. Now, when I rode yesterday, I did take the crop and I won't hesitate to use it if he bucks with me. I am not going to let him get away with it. He knew I had the crop because I tapped him a couple times to get his attention away from the tall grassy field we were riding in....wanted to grab a mouthful all the time.

Could he just dislike my DH and prefer me? Is it the grain? We had been riding him 3 to 4 times a week, but on trail and not cantering. At least not me. He has a rough canter and I prefer a jog. Just wondering what you guys think. Thanks

Maybe he had a bad experience with a man in the past, or a man who looked similar to your dh. Or, perhaps a man in the past encouraged bucking and such?

Dunno, but I'm glad he "wuvs" you! I kind of doubt it's the grain in particular, but the better health in general. Also, the new is worn off, and he's comfortable around you now...is testing the limits.

Have fun, but be careful!

C

Oh, Im sure they can prefer some riders before other. The gentle riders have usually a plus. IF they dont misuse this gentleness (common!), they horses often do appreciate, and are better going for the gentle, kind rider.

There is another variation of the story, which I had experiences of many times. If the rider does find the "key" to a particular horse. and suddenly, they can do together much more than usual. This is typical for this decent, but not so good rider. But also the horse goes much better than usual - as otherwise only with expert riders...

In my experience, they sometimes do prefer certain riders, but I would attribute his behavior to extra grain. If he needs to gain, I'd up his hay before I'd pump more energy into him. 2-3 more flakes a day may provide some weight gain and not the energy and P*** and Vinegar that comes from too much grain energy!

Cider is a madman if he gets more than his one scoop a day. He's almost 21, and a HYPP carrier so food for him is a big concern for me.

Thanks for everyones input....a lot of good info.

I guess time will tell. We rode today. It was rainy so we were inside. I rode first and he was good. Def more under the hood these days. But behaved.

Then DH took him down the lane, and into the woods. Then ended up coming up the road, past the farm and then turned around and came back. Al didn't buck..although he didn't like leaving the barnyard. Just his body language....slow, looking back and forth at the barn.

So who knows. I think (hope) we see him taken down a notch or two in a couple weeks. Should see a difference by then.

I will keep you posted ...Thanks very much.

I would look to a case of the sillies - feeling better combined with settling in and a touch of barn sour. They call can be overcome with work and you both doing some of the same things with him - I read where your hubby rode him past the lane, then turned around and went to the barn, and it's a good idea to do that for a while so he doesn't anticipate home and take off to the barn with you. Also, check saddle fit as even a few pounds can make it not fit so well.

You also have to work on that canter. Make him search for contact with the bit before asking then take up contact and ask for the depart. He isn't going to get smoother by ignoring that gait, it needs work. He sounds unbalanced at the canter, so work on it.

I tend to agree. I forgot to write that during that nasty heat spell, which was pretty much the month of July, he was not ridden every day and when he was, it was for a short time. Actually, most of the horses weren't ridden much. Miserable for them and us.

Now that August is here, things have cooled off.

Thanks for your encouragment.