“I just need someone to ride him
Last time he bucked me off.”
He’salways been just fine she said
I’m sure he spooked when I coughed.
He’s fabulous with his groundwork
His saddle fits, I’m sure
He only does this sometimes
There’s no way he could be sore
You’re younger than me, fit they said
I’m sure you’ll be just fine!
But come on guys, I’m a mother too,
Why should I put my head on the line?
I want you just to ride him.
We do groundwork she said.
But come on guys, put your trust in me,
I don’t want to hit my head!
Just because I’m younger,
does not mean I want to fall!
This is why when I train horses,
I give them my all!
My physio knows the drill,
from my toes, work up to my head
and although my body can be fixed
I don’t want to end up dead!
I have a way of doing things,
I like to take my time,
because I’m sure you will be right;
Your horse will be just fine.
There is always a reason
that your horse did buck.
Was he trying to say something?
Or did he just not give a flying duck?
Could it be anxiety?
Perhaps it is his back?
Maybe it’s his teeth? I say,
Or maybe manners that he lacks?
Without stopping to work out why,
was it saddle or environmental?
Will this horse pull the stunt again?
Is he really just temperamental?
Maybe he was having fun
when others ran past his side.
Perhaps something flew out of the bushes
and ruined your great ride!
Perhaps you pulled a little harder
on his mouth today.
Maybe he needs the dentist?
It’s been a while you say?
Maybe you didn’t realise
the good spring grass is here.
His saddle might not fit as well
as it did this time last year.
It’s possible he lost focus
and forgot you were on his back,
and once he thought he was alone
it’s courage that he lacked.
He could well have been excited
when you rode out in a group
and when that kangaroo jumped out
he really had to spook!
Maybe he lacks work ethic
and his bucks today meant no!
Perhaps that’s why he went to town,
it wasn’t just to put on a show
Maybe you took him to a place
he’d never been before!
Your nervousness affected him?
You can’t really be too sure.
Perhaps you changed his diet
to try the latest fad,
but then you didn’t ride him much
and wondered why he went mad!
But for whatever reason
your horsie went to town,
I’m sure we can start to eliminate issues
In the hope you won’t fall down!
Sometimes it’s very simple;
Like a saddle touched his spine?
Sometimes you can check it all out
and he really seems just fine!
Maybe it’s anxiety?
There is worry in his head.
This can be the worst you see,
you don’t want to end up dead!
Your quiet horse kicked out
when your leg touched on her side.
Maybe she has ulcers
and that just ruined your ride!
She wasn’t trying to be a cow!
She wasn’t just in season.
Even though she doesn’t speak human
she still really has a reason!
So although I’m a good rider
and can sit a buck or two,
I’d much rather fix this on the ground
and remove the risk for you!
So let’s work together to fix these things
so you can enjoy your horse;
Because to ride a buck or pig
is just no fun of course!
I Iike to start from the beginning
and work my way on through.
Does he behave on the lead rope?
Or does he run all over you?
Does he turn to face you
when you reach his gate?
Or nicks off to the other side of the paddock;
To work you will be late!!
When you’re leading him along
does he stop to eat?
It’s likely if you’re not watching
He will step on top your feet!
When I put her in the round pen
Is her focus outside the bars?
She’s just not ready to listen yet
It could take minutes, it could take hours.
When I tie your horse to string
is it likely he’ll pull back?
You’ll be surprised at how groundwork fixes this!
It’s the little things they lack.
My aim is to create partnerships,
I need to gain their trust.
I have to start from the beginning
It truly is a must!
And from my younger silly days
I’d just jump on any horse!
But now I know there are better ways
to fix the problems they have, of course!
Because while I can ride a spook
or often sit a rear,
but even for me it’s not so fun,
for you it can cause fear!
So instead I’d rather try
to eliminate these things
with newer smarter ways I have!
I’ll show you what they bring!
Because they’re just like children
you need to start right at the start.
You’d never send your toddler to high school,
even if they’re smart!
It’s amazing how many horses,
have skipped up through the grade!
But manners they are lacking
because in the home they’re made!
You gorgeous little pleasure horse
you’ve had since they were a foal.
Let me help you get them started,
to happily reach your goal!
Just because your fancy dressage horse
Can do flying changes and piaffe
Doesn’t mean on an off day
They won’t stick their head up like a giraffe!
Your superstar eventer
Can jump jumps higher than my head
If we can improve his focus
You’re less likely to end up dead.
Perhaps it is your western horse
They’re usually well trained
And while they’re doing all you ask
Have you really got their brain?
Maybe your new show jumper
rushes jumps, they’re out of stride.
Wouldn’t a horse that listens to you
be easier to ride?
Perhaps it is your hunter
who likes to bolt the jumps!
He needs to go back to basics
and then you’ll come up trumps!
Your trail horse won’t listen.
He’s rushing everywhere,
he likes to throw his head up and jog!
You’re tearing out your hair!
There are so many people,
who accept these minor faults.
But when they start to accumulate,
your horse just up and bolts!
So let me change the small things.
They’ll truly fix a lot!
Your horse’s whole demeanour
will become a lot less hot!
So while we’ll never change the fact
a horse is born to run,
we can make him a lot safer;
Which is a hell of a lot more fun!
We can improve his focus,
he’ll listen to you more often,
And when we teach him how to bend
his pulling on reins will soften.
We can teach him to stay standing,
at the mounting block,
And not to be moving off so fast,
when we just need him to stop!
We can teach him to load well
on your old or brand new float.
It doesn’t have to be so hard
I know it’s really got your goat!
So when you ask why I have mentioned
all the things I did above,
It’s only then you’ll realise
It’s said to you with love.
The change to all these tiny things,
begins to change your horse.
you’ll be surprised at how well it works
to fix the bucks of course!
A focused and well mannered horse
is more pleasant on which to sit.
But some would rather ride the buck
but where’s the fun in it?
Some times it’s not as simple
as just get on and ride;
Because so many horses are hiding
what’s going on inside.
So let’s begin and start out slowly
from the ground and work it up.
To reduce your chances of falling
when you’re bucked and go arse up!