Horses buck in rodeos as a reaction to irritation, excitement or disobedience, and sometimes due to established training techniques.
Understanding the Instinctual Behavior of Horses
Capable of running just a few hours after birth, horses are prey animals developed for survival. One of these survival instincts is the ability to buck, a powerful and explosive movement designed to dislodge anything on their backs.
In the wild, a horse may buck to dislodge a dangerous predator. This instinctual behavior continues in domestic horses and can be triggered for numerous reasons such as pain, irritation, fear, or excitement. In rodeos, this natural reaction is often capitalized upon for the purpose of spectacle.
Types of Bucking
Discomfort or Pain
When a horse experiences discomfort or pain, it may buck in an attempt to alleviate the sensation. This can be a result of a poorly fitting saddle, a too-tight girth, or an uncomfortable rider.
In the context of a rodeo, flank straps (also known as bucking straps) are commonly utilized. These straps irritated the horse, causing them to buck. They are not designed to cause pain, but the horse’s natural reaction is to try and get rid of the annoyance.
Excitement or Energy
Horses, like many other animals, can exhibit energetic and even boisterous behaviors when they are excited or have excess energy to burn. Bucking can form part of this playful behavior.
While rodeo horses are typically well cared for and exercised regularly, the excitement of the event atmosphere can lead to such displays of energy and excitement being interpreted as bucking.
Disobedience or Dominance
Sometimes, horses may buck as a show of defiance, or in an attempt to establish dominance. This is more common in untrained or young horses and is typically addressed through consistent training and enforcement of boundaries.
In the rodeo arena, this kind of bucking can be exacerbated due to the unfamiliar atmosphere and the horse’s unwillingness to participate.
Training Techniques Behind Bucking
Over the years, training techniques have been developed to encourage bucking in certain horses within the rodeo industry. None of these techniques involve causing pain or harm to the horse, but rather are focused on honing and building upon the horse’s instinctual reactions and learned behaviors.
These methods include:
- Using a belly or flank strap which induces a tickling or irritating sensation, causing the horse to buck to try and rid itself of the strap.
- Introducing young horses to a mild irritant like a flank strap and gradually increasing the time, they can tolerate the sensation before being rewarded for enduring it.
- Providing particular handling and training to horses known as ‘bucking horses’ to increase their athleticism and encourage the bucking action.
Bucking in rodeos, therefore, is a nuanced and multifaceted behavior. It is vital to remember that while it is a spectacle for the audience, it is rooted in the horse’s natural responses, and the welfare of the horse should always remain paramount.
Putting Horse Welfare First
While understanding the reasons why horses buck in a rodeo is critical, it’s equally important to ensure their well-being is prioritized. Misinterpretation of bucking as solely a playful display can lead to the overlooking of a potential health issue or discomfort.
Identifying Reasons for Bucking
- Rider’s influence: Constant shifting of the rider’s weight or improper riding technique can make the horse feel uncomfortable and trigger a buck.
- Health issues: A horse may start bucking as a result of certain health issues like back pain, dental problems, or digestive disorders. As soon as a horse starts bucking, it’s essential to rule out any potential health problems.
- Tack discomfort: Ill-fitting tack can inflict discomfort and lead to bucking.
It’s essential to have a vet or experienced horse professional evaluate the horse to identify the source of the problem.
Potential Cover-ups of Bucking in Rodeos
In rodeo shows, bucking can be intentionally stimulated and even amplified. Here’s how:
| Method Used | Description |
|---|---|
| Flank Strap Application | A soft sheepskin-lined flank strap is placed around the horse’s flank. This induces an irritant and the horse bucks to rid itself of the strap. |
| Rider’s Technique | The rider might use a particular technique like pulling the reins or leaning back, causing the horse to buck. |
| Provocative Atmosphere | The charged atmosphere in the rodeo arena itself can stimulate the horse’s excitability, translating into bucking. |
Training Horses Not to Buck
Train is also applied to discourage bucking. Some of the techniques include:
- Desensitization: This method involves getting horses used to the stimuli that cause them discomfort, such as a saddle or being ridden. It’s achieved by introducing these elements slowly and gently to the horse.
- Assertive handling: This means being firm, yet gentle, with horses. Establish dominance without resorting to harm or overly aggressive tactics.
- Positive reinforcement: Rewarding the horse for positive behavior (like not bucking) helps the horse associate being ridden with positive outcomes instead of discomfort.
Understanding why horses buck in rodeos allows an individual to empathize with the horse perspective more effectively, leading to a healthier relationship and better treatment of these magnificent animals.
