What exactly is a tack change?

My horse has a sudden change of behavior?

• I bought him 2 weeks ago and during those two weeks, he's was a perfect horse. His canter was smooth and his trot wasn't too bouncy, it was more like a rocking horse. He was basically an A-Grade in dressage and a perfect jumper. Then, this afternoon at Pony Club, we were going to have a gymkhana, which involved barrel racing, cantering etc and it was horrible! His canter wasn't smooth, it was super bouncy, and his trot was VERY VERY bouncy and I had to hold onto the front of the saddle to hold my balance, and I can't tell you how many times my foot came out of the stirrups! Then, things get worse. After the gymkhana, I decided to load him into the pastures to give him some quality time, but instead, he bucked, he reared and totally ignored me! My riding instructor came, made sure I stood far away from my own horse,checked the girth, the tack, everything. He said everything was fine, he couldn't understand the sudden change of behavior. Then, he said to take my horse out for a little hack,and see if things get better. I did, and I got thrown off the saddle nine times! (counted). We booked a vet to see what's going on, but the vet visit isn't until next week. My riding instructor said not to ride my horse, even though there's a pony club rally day next week. Great. Now i don't have a horse to ride, to make matters worse. Anyway, meanwhile, while we wait for the vet, I was thinking if anyone has any suggestions of this matter? Sorry for the long story, I just wanted to give detail :)

• Answer:

  If he was in a new area different from where you normally keep him, he could just be acting out. You know like how kids get excited when you take them some place new? As for takin him on a Hack and getting thrown nine times, had he ever been on a hack in that area? If not, remember there are two things that scare horses: 1)things that move 2) Things that don't move. Most horses think anything they have never seen before is going to come alive and swallow them whole. Since he is a new horse for you was this the first time he had been around so many other horses? That could have made him frisky. Is he a stallion or do you know if he for sure is a gelding? Could be hormones. Is he acting lame or favoring a foot? Will he accept his bit? If he wont excpet his bit he could have a dental issue. Wait for the vet but don't leave him cooped up in his stall. If you have your normal barn that you keep him at and he was fine there take him out and see how he acts. Make sure someone is watchign you in case something happens. It could have just been the change in environment that made him nuts. If all is clear on the medical front, its a behavior issue and those just have to be trained and worked out. Keep your chin up and don't ignore your horse, work with him until the vet can get out there but always wear a helmet and stay safe (have a buddy)