Bit for big strong horse, who will bolt with fright?

Hi first of all I would like to say how chuffed I am to hear you are giving this horse a chance, because this type of horse would probably be put on a meat lorry as he would be classed as dangerous. He looks a really lovely healthy boy and it would be a waste to give up on him . I used to know a horse that did this and she was fine one minute and rushed off to the left the next like she was bolting. now I dont know what is causing your boy to do this but I can only pass on what I have seen. This particular mare was found to have an eyelid problem where the inner lid would come down and cover her eye , so to her something was too close and was going to get her so she would bolt into the road and she was a really lovely mare sadly I dont know what happened to her as the riding school got rid , poor little thing. maybe worth checking his eyes out and keep it in mind if he should run to either side . good luck and dont give up but also dont put yourself in danger x
 
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I'm probably stating the obvious here, but if you are going to continue to work him, hat, gloves, back protector etc, would be a good move.
And try not to ride him/work him when you are alone at the yard.
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My husband has already warned me that I will not be keeping him if he injures me in anyway.

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And what, exactly, will happen to this horse if your OH lays down the law and demands he goes??

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Sadly, my OH know the guy at Potters because of the line of work he's in, so I hate to say it but that would be the only option for the horse. I'd not pass him on as a companion horse simply because he's so darned placid around the stable that someone would be bound to think, "Oh he's not that bad. I'm sure I'll be okay." Can you imagine? If he bolts, I'm afraid we will not pass him on to anyone else. I'll give him 100% of my time and effort and hope he can be pulled round. I'm not planning on selling him on if I can sort him out, so even if he ends up being safe, but a bit quirky to ride, it won't matter to me as he'll be my ride.
 
I admire you so much for taking this horse on- you must have some nerve!

What is he like when you ride him in the school? I don't think you mentioned riding in the school- just lunging and long-reining? (i could be wrong but my computer is rather slow so don't want the whole page to take about 10mins to load up again!)

My suggestion would be to set up a video camera each time you are working him- in the school/out on your walks. This may give you a chance to study exactly how he is reacting- to whatever he is reacting! You can show it to others and get other opinions then... it may be helpful.

The post about a brain tumour is interesting- is there anyway you could rule this out?

Then again, if he is genuinely healthy through and through it could just be a case of taking time :S Please don't give up on him though- I understand how dangerous it is for you but there has to be a reason why he is reacting the way he is.

Well done for all you're doing and hope you start getting some positive results soon!
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Sadly, my OH know the guy at Potters because of the line of work he's in, so I hate to say it but that would be the only option for the horse. I'd not pass him on as a companion horse simply because he's so darned placid around the stable that someone would be bound to think, "Oh he's not that bad. I'm sure I'll be okay." Can you imagine? If he bolts, I'm afraid we will not pass him on to anyone else. I'll give him 100% of my time and effort and hope he can be pulled round. I'm not planning on selling him on if I can sort him out, so even if he ends up being safe, but a bit quirky to ride, it won't matter to me as he'll be my ride.

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TBH this is the most sensible thing I have read for a while.
 
I'm off to bed now, so want to thank everyone for their replies so far.

I just wanted to add that I'm not unduly upset by the horse's behavious so far. He has spooked twice on the lunge, and shot off when I was walking him out the other day, but he's already much more settled on the lunge (so maybe it was just the unfamiliar environment making him sketchy initially) and I expect I should really have used my brain and hacked out with another horse and rider initially. Even around the block. Since he's a sensitive and spooky horse, asking him to venture out alone wasn't the smartest move I ever made now, was it!
 
Having read through all this thread I am relieved to find that you are being realistic about this horse. I agree with Shils about wearing gloves, hat, body protector etc and riding when someone else is about, but please think long and hard about your safety, is it really worth risking serious injury to yourself?
 
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My suggestion would be to set up a video camera each time you are working him- in the school/out on your walks. This may give you a chance to study exactly how he is reacting- to whatever he is reacting! You can show it to others and get other opinions then... it may be helpful.

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Funnily enough, I already have my home educated son video our sessions in the menage. Unfortunately we didn't get those two sessions on film when he spooked, as that was early on. In the past 10 days he's been behaving really well. But I plan to carry on whenever I can, as, like you say, it will be really interesting to watch back and see what sets him off, and what he actually does, on video replay.

And yes, I have a brand spanking new skull cap and back protector (from my OH for my Birthday on 4th May) and I always wear my leather gloves and proper footwear for riding and lunging in.
 
Not much to add really except when you do try to ride him, do it in an indoor and mount facing into a corner. Good luck.
 
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my OH know the guy at Potters because of the line of work he's in, so I hate to say it but that would be the only option for the horse

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Excellent to hear.
 
I got a peewee bit for my ClydeX after she ran off with me, when she took fright at some colts running alongside us in thier field and I couldn't stop her. I found that the side pieces meant that I could pull her round to stop her.
After I had to have her pts (totally different story) I lent the bit to a fiend who found that steering improved but after a while the brakes weren't so effective.
I am now using it successfully with my IDx and it lifts her off her forehand.
I know this is a bit of an ambivalent post but would recommend you try a PeeWee from a bit bank. Horses with big strong thick tongues do seem to get on well with it.

ETS I've just gone back and read the posts about feed.
I had a mare whose behaviour was erratic to say the least and we eventually found out that she couldn't eat sugar or cereals. Some of her behaviour sounds like your horse's. Please take him off all 'hard' feed, just feed hay/grass and wait at least a week before you get back on him. If his feed is causing problems you will tell from his (worsened at 1st) behaviour and will then be able to add ingredients one at a time to see what he can eat safely.
 
He looks a lovely horse and sounds almost perfect apart from the bolting. Missed previous thread - does he bolt in company or just when on his own?
 
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Sadly, my OH know the guy at Potters because of the line of work he's in, so I hate to say it but that would be the only option for the horse. I'd not pass him on as a companion horse simply because he's so darned placid around the stable that someone would be bound to think, "Oh he's not that bad. I'm sure I'll be okay." Can you imagine? If he bolts, I'm afraid we will not pass him on to anyone else. I'll give him 100% of my time and effort and hope he can be pulled round. I'm not planning on selling him on if I can sort him out, so even if he ends up being safe, but a bit quirky to ride, it won't matter to me as he'll be my ride.

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Thank heavens he has come to a sensible owner, I hope and pray that you don't get hurt and its good to hear he will never be passed on again.
 
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