User:Acp741/Bucking2

Bucking is a complex behaviour seen in some animals with four legs. It is most commonly seen in Zebra s (Plains Zebra), Horse s, (Equus ferus caballus), Donkey's (Equus africanus asinus), Cattle (Bos taurus), Deer (and family Cervidae), Goat s (Capra aegagrus hircus), and Sheep (Ovis aries). Although this behaviour is displayed in a wide variety of animals, the primary research on this behaviour has been directed towards horses and cows Bucking can vary in intensity from the animals’ slight elevation of both hind legs, to lowering their head between their front legs, arching their back, and kicking out, usually several times. Originally, it was predominantly an anti-predator, and play behaviour, but with domestication, it has now also been seen as a behavioural issue in riding horses, and a desired behaviour in bulls. Chronic bucking, when referring to horseback riding or Bull riding, can have severe consequences for both animal and rider which include serious injury and even death.

The bucking behaviour can be demonstrated by animals for several reasons. In non-domesticated animals, it can be used as a defense mechanism against predators such as felines. By performing this behaviour, the animal is able to throw a predator from its back, along with kick a potential attacker with an extreme force, which discourages the attack by either severely injuring, and sometimes even killing the predator. It can also be used as a mechanism of play and territory defense among the animals’ herd. A main reason bucking in seen in domesticated animals is when the animal is uncomfortable, or in pain, usually stemming from vertebral issues. In some instances, in the equine world, an ill-fitting saddle can cause enough discomfort for the horse to display this behaviour  A horse can also display this behaviour when it is confused or frustrated while being ridden or trained. Signals from a rider that are inconsistent or confusing may cause the horse to become confused as to how to react to the command. Frustration can also arise if reinforcement is absent, or inconsistent during training periods. However sometimes, the bucking behaviour is desired and provoked. This can be seen in bull riding. A cotton rope, called a flank rope, is placed loosely on the caudal region of the bulls’ abdomen, which encourages the bull to buck.

Although there are a wide variety of solutions to bucking, it not only depends on the motivation behind the behaviour, but it is also very dependent on the handler or rider and their preference. Some tactics are harsher, while others take a more naturalistic approach and include becoming “one” with the animal before mounting, which can promote trust, and can strengthen bonds. Bucking, especially if triggered by fear, pain or excitement, is generally a minor disobedience, unless it is strong enough to unseat the rider, at which point it is a dangerous act. It is important to address the problem of the bucking immediately. Even with good cause, it is a potentially dangerous disobedience that cannot be encouraged or allowed to continue. However, a rider does need to be sure that it is not poor riding that is causing the confusion, or a result of poorly-fitting tack that is causing the horse pain. If poor riding is the case, special attention and improvement to the riders balance, and to their commands will help to eliminate the confusion, and thus prevent the behaviour. If ill-fitting tack is the problem, then a refit of the tack causing the discomfort is necessary to not only stop the bucking, but also to prevent further injuries that may arise due to the inappropriate fit of the tack. Bucking has also been seen during the early stages of training in horses, and is usually caused by the uncomfortable new feeling of a piece of saddlery, which will usually reside after habituation. If the behaviour stems from the frustration that arises with inconsistent or absent reinforcement or punishment, then special attention from the handler, such as a consistent reinforcement and punishment schedule should be implemented The horse's turn-out schedule should also be assessed, as extra turn-out will give a horse to release his extra energy before the rider gets on. In certain cases (such as a show, when horses are unable to be turned-out for extended periods) lunging the horses for a brief period can help to alleviate any built up energy, and allow the rider to mount, and ride safely.

Usually a horse gives some warning that it is about to buck by dropping its head, slowing down or stopping, and excessively rounding up in the back. With this warning, riders can intervene by using one direct rein to pull the horse's head sideways and up, turning the horse in a small circle. If a rider pulls the horse's head up with both reins, the horse's neck is stronger and the rider is likely to be flipped over the horse's head. By turning the horse sideways, the rider has more leverage and a horse cannot easily buck while turning around. When the horse stops bucking, it must be asked to move forward; as forward motion causes difficulty for the horse to buck and discourages the behaviour. If the rider is unable to prevent the behaviour from happening, then the use of punishment immediately after the behaviour is demonstrated is beneficial to discourage the behaviour from happening in the future. The use of positive punishment such as the application of pressure on the horses mouth to create discomfort discourage bucking. Certain training aids, such as a gag bit, certain types of martingale or, particularly on ponies, an overcheck, may also discourage bucking.