Irving Langer is an accomplished executive based in Brooklyn, New York. He has led operations at E & M Associates as CEO since founding the firm in 1972. Irving Langer enjoys leading an active lifestyle outside of his work. His interests range from scuba diving to horseback riding.
Horseback riding is a competitive sport with many disciplines and a scenic means of transportation and exploration. In either event, a horse may start bucking for a variety of reasons. This is an understandably nerve-wracking experience for many riders.
Riders should do their best to stay calm to mitigate the chances of injury for both the horse and rider. Panicking will only hamper the rider’s responsiveness and place the horse under added pressure.
Using the reigns to flex the horse’s head is an important step towards regaining control. Ideally, riders can shorten one reign to the point that they can see the horse's face. Pulling directly back on the reigns puts both the rider’s and horse’s balance at risk, while also giving the horse a force to continue bucking against.
Similarly, riders should attempt to maneuver the horse's shoulders into a sharp turn. By stepping into the inside of such a turn, the horse is forced to ease weight off of their forequarters, making it more likely that the animal keeps its hindquarters planted.
Another good way to ease the anxieties of a bucking horse is to send the horse forward. When a horse is bucking, they lack forward momentum. By flexing the horse’s head, mobilizing its shoulders, and then moving forward at a reliable rhythm, the animal is more likely to regain its natural balance and composure.
