I’ve got one for you that I’d love your thoughts on!
I have 14 horses and have put 10 through the B1 program, including 30 days of round pen work, with incredible results. But I have one horse presenting a challenge I haven’t quite figured out.
I was given a talented Thoroughbred nine months ago because he had developed a bucking habit that persisted despite extensive medical intervention. He’s not malicious and never tries to get you off, but he bucks in the first few canter strides or immediately after jumping. We suspected his neck, and injections helped slightly, but the issue remains intermittent.
He went three shows without bucking, then started again at our most recent competition. That’s when something clicked: at those three shows, his buddies were standing near the arena!
Yesterday, I tested my theory by bringing his favorite mare to the arena and cantering and jumping him. Not a single buck! He was relaxed, willing, and jumped beautifully.
Looking back, he completed 30 days of B1 groundwork when he arrived, but his buddies were always within eyesight. I’m wondering if we missed an opportunity to develop his confidence independently.
He also gets noticeably stiff and tense when alone, which affects his dressage, although giving his mind more work seems to help.
He’s an incredibly willing, talented horse, and I’d love to revisit the B1 principles to help him become more confident and relaxed without relying on his buddies. How would you approach this from a horsemanship perspective?
