I have a 5 yr old TB that I've ridden on trail and in arena for a year. 200 rides, and really no trouble. I was riding abt 4 or 5 days a week, an hr each time, sometimes a 2 hr trail ride. Then my kids got off for summer break and I had to skip some riding days, and when I got on one time (in a bareback pad, I knew I was taking a chance), he was feeling frisky and started bucking like crazy. I was so startled, I tried to stop but it was like my reins did nothing, he didn't feel them at all (he's normally very good) then fell off and hurt my tailbone, landing on cement. Got better after 3 wks and started riding again, and was cautious, so stayed in arena and made sure to lunge or turn him out each day, or have someone else ride if i couldn't... Anyway, was walk/trotting him over lightweight poles in arena (bad idea), then cantered him over them for first time and the pole popped up and hit him in the stomach, he started bucking and running, I pulled SO HARD determined not to fall that I broke my own finger. And then fell off. Now it is 3 wks later, I have 2 pins in my finger for 3 more weeks, having to do physical therapy on my poor finger, and I just feel like an uneducated rider. I obviously haven't trained him one-rein stop (thought I had), or whoa. He's 16.2, really not a runner or a bucker til these last 2 experiences (he only bucked twice the first month I had him, when learning the right lead canter). I'm feeling like I'm 47, I should maybe have a short, seasoned trail horse that already knows how to do everything. Plus I have kids I'd like to get riding, and he's not a horse for them. I can't afford to fall off. He's just the sweetest horse, should I keep working with him for the next few years as he matures? Should I lease him out, should I try and take some lessons? I'm feeling lost, and I miss riding! My neighbor says harsher bit, the pony club trainer girl who has helped me from time to time says no harsh bit, amd I just feel scared not having the control I thought I had. Is it the whoa? I have 3 wks to work from the ground, would love advice for what I should do. He was not raced or race trained. He's just a doof. I probably need lessons, I only had them when I was 9, I've just been riding ever since, trail. Rode lots of difft horses, but never had bucking horses so I'm new to it, no skills in that dept (except knowing to sit deep, pull their head up, etc) but I'm not very good at it apparently and don't enjoy it! Did I mention I love the horse? He just stands next to me whenever I go out to the barn. He's a loverboy. I just feel old!!