Any advice on a horse ducking out from first or ducking out from 2nd headed from 1st? He’s a finished and seasoned 8 year old. Knows all his aides well. I’m riding in a low port futurity but think he needs another bit. And advise on how to ride him through his duck to keep him straight? I’m going to try spurs, last time I didn’t have one. Any slow work excercises? Any but recommendations? Thanks!

If he didn't do this with the previous owner/jockey, I'd be asking them for their advice on how to keep him happy/what to do. 

I will add if its a finished/Seasoned horse, they usually don't start this behavior just because. Usually a pain issue. 

Do you get Barrel Horse News? If not go to Tractor Supplys and get the May Issue, theres a great write up on this issue its call Duck The Habit by Charmayne James, its really good and very easy to understand. 

Kind of depends. If the horse never ducked with the previous owner, it is possible you are cueing him in some way that is confusing to him. Can you contact the previous owner and talk?

Or, it's possible that a PAIN issue has popped up suddenly and that is sometimes what causes them to duck. So that could be something to rule out too. Did you do a PPE or have plans to take him for a lameness eval in the near future?

I have a rock solid horse(paint in my avatar). When he needs his hocks injected he will run up the fence on first. Get him injected and back to normal. I try to be proactive and get them injected in a timely manner. 

I would also check to see when his teeth were done last and shoeing can be a factor. 

If you cant find this May issue of Barrel Horse News let me know and I will mail you mine. you may be able to find this write up on the internet..