"I have a five-year-old Holstein/Selle Francaise. He's good in every way,apart from a few hiccups along the way. I`ve had him a year now. I bought him in France. One thing I seem to be stuck on is that when having the saddle put on, he bucks. I have not ridden him on his own on the road yet as I can`t trust him. I have a 31-year-old I ride and lead with my baby. Is there anything I can do to stop this or, will he just grow out of it with confidence? Any help is desperately appreciated." Chris

H&C blogger and Olympic eventer Sharon Hunt replies: "Hi there, I am not sure how experienced you are with bringing on young horses, but if this is one of your first then it might be worth paying someone who's more experienced to come in and help. Actually ,even if you are experienced it's always good to get another perspective. I would suggest tacking up in stable or if he's very difficult or if you're worried about getting hurt in such an enclosed space, then perhaps in a properly fenced school with a lunge line attached so if he bucks you can stop him running off.

I think it's important to make sure the girth is loose to start with and then to tighten it gradually so there's no sudden pressure. I would lunge before getting on and stop and start him so he doesn't get used to misbehaving as soon as the saddle is on, as he's not accepted it yet and must learn to. Keep him on the lunge and keep undoing the saddle and putting it back on, each time he goes off he should be less explosive. It may take 50 times the first session but keep doing it until he walks off quietly. Only then is he ready for you to get on and he is definitely not ready for roadwork yet! Finally, remember to only attempt any of this when other people are around to help you if necessary and always wear a hat, even when lungeing, as young horses can be unpredictable.

Good luck and best wishes, Sharon."