Much as a toddler will throw herself in the floor and kick and scream when she is tired, frustrated or just isn't getting what she wants, a horse will buck when they are frustrated or in protest to a person or situation they don't like. A behavior seen mostly in spirited younger horses is using bucking to assert their dominance over you.

Never whip a horse for bucking. Hurting your horse won't make him respect you. It will make him fear you and you can wind up with a dangerous animal on your hands. The best way to get your horse to give up bucking is to simply divert his attention, much as you would a toddler who was having a tantrum.

When you work with your horse on a regular basis, you will begin to notice postures and behaviors that he will assume before bucks. Learn to anticipate these moves and when you see him falling into bucking mode, give him a command to take his mind off bucking and kicking.

Some horses respond best if you suddenly take them in a tight circle and make them turn around, this will cause them to have to un-tense their back and rear muscles and the urge to buck will be lost. Another technique that works well with bucking horses is to take him into a trot, canter or gallop. Working off excess energy will do him good. Praise your horse and give him lots of positive reinforcement when he chooses to follow your commands and not buck.

This serves a two-fold purpose. Your horse will have his mind diverted from the idea of bucking and following your commands will further tell him you are the top horse of the herd and he needs to listen to you. Do this on a regular basis and always praise your horse when he is making progress - in a very short period of time, your horse will be broken of the habit of bucking.