More trouble with Sparkler

It is August in Wisconsin. I knew it was going to be a hot one, so Sally came over early to go for a ride - me on Sparkler, her on Banjo. It started so well, both were very cooperative and calm for the most part. We walked a bit up the trail before mounting. We stopped a few times. Sally had Banjo at a dog walk and Sparkler followed behind. Then we turned the corner toward Art and Vicki's.

Sparkler stopped to grab a mouthful of grass and when I asked her to go forward, the kicking started. I urged her on and got more of the same. Sally didn't think it was a good idea to turn around but the bucking increased so I dismounted and we walked ahead. When I tried to mount again, she kicked from the ground. Not at me, just a kick in place.

Well, I wasn't about to walk all the way back so I moved her forward a bit until I was able to mount. I decided it was time to turn back. So off we went. There wasn't any more acting up on the way back, which seems to point to attitude.

Sally and I chatted about the problem all the way back. She talked about her gelding, Bandit, who does really well with young, untrained riders. But put someone on him who will tell him what to do and he will rear. If you aren't afraid and stay with him, he'll get past it, but most will get off. If I don't nip this in the bud, I might have a really big problem with Sparker.

Now Banjo - Sally says the trick is first to keep the feet away from his sides. He is very sensitive to any touch. Keep a loose rein and he will walk very slowly. If he moves too fast, a slight pull then release. If needed, little bigger pull then release. You should be able to get him to slow right down. And keep your butt deep in the saddle with hips relaxed.

We made it back safe and sound and we had fun, but I'm still wondering what to do with my baby.