When a Pony Bucks: Listening Beyond the Behavior

When a pony starts bucking—especially with a child rider—our first instinct might be to ask, “Is he being naughty?” But what if the behavior is actually a message? What if the horse isn’t being difficult… but rather, trying to communicate?

That’s exactly what happened with a lovely pony I was asked to treat.

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The Pony’s Story

The owner reached out to me with a video of the pony bucking under saddle. She wasn’t looking to blame the pony—she felt something wasn’t quite right and wanted to understand what was going on beneath the surface.

When I arrived and began my assessment, it didn’t take long to uncover a deeper story. The pony’s back was very stiff, especially in the lumbar region, and side bending through both the back and neck was clearly restricted. The shoulders were tight, the poll was tense, and he struggled to lift through his back—which is essential for healthy movement under a rider. Even the joints in his limbs had reduced range of motion.

His whole body felt rusty and locked, like movement had become very small rather than open and free.

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My Treatment Approach: Listening to the Whole Horse

In my work, I don’t approach horses as problems to be fixed—I meet them as individuals to be listened to. I don’t come in to force change. Instead, I collaborate with the horse, work with what they show me, and offer them a safe space to release tension and be heard.

For this pony, I used a combination of osteopathic techniques, including the Osteopathic Articular Balancing (OAB) technique, which helps the body regain movement and function without force. I worked through not just the stiff areas, but the entire body, because everything is connected—treating one part without considering the rest rarely leads to lasting change.

I also applied special fascia release techniques to loosen deeper restrictions in the neck, along with massage to support the back, shoulders, and hindquarters. At the same time, I created a groundwork exercise plan that the pony rider’s mum could use to improve mobility between sessions and build long-term results.

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The Results: From Bucking to Balance

After the very first treatment, the bucking stopped.

And after just three sessions, the owner shared this with me:

“There are so many positive changes. He’s a lot happier and more content, the bucking is gone, and now the kids can canter him easily in both directions!”

This transformation wasn’t magic—it was the result of listening, releasing, and working with the pony.

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Behavior Is Not Misbehavior—It’s Communication

Too often, we view behaviors like bucking, resistance, or tension as problems to correct. But in reality, they’re invitations to look deeper.

Horses don’t misbehave for no reason. They respond to how they feel—physically, emotionally, and energetically. And when we learn to listen to what they’re telling us, the relationship shifts. Healing begins. Trust deepens.

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Why I Do What I Do

I’ve dedicated my life to helping horses and humans find better ways to work together—not through control, but through curiosity, care, mutual respect, and clear communication.

I don’t see myself above the horse—I meet them as an equal, as a being with a life, personality, and purpose of their own. That’s what allows real transformation to happen.

If your horse is showing signs of discomfort, tension, or so-called “difficult” behavior, I invite you to pause and ask:

“What are you trying to tell me?”

Because sometimes, the loudest messages come in the form of a buck, a brace, or a refusal.And when we listen, we open the door to real connection—and a much happier horse.

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Want to learn more?

If you’re curious about how to deepen your relationship with your horse, feel free to reach out or explore my services.

Let’s build a world where all beings are equal, and where we can share the journey of life with love, growth, and healing—in a practical and natural way.