Bolting help!

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B_2_B

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ok, to keep things simple, new mare keeps bolting at exactly the same two spots on the hack route we mostly go on because of time. it's only these two spots and she is impossible to stop until she has run out her energy. she has been neglected and wasn't ridden for ages so could this be why? also, any tips on how to stop her when she does take off? thanks
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no around the middle and there's nothing spooky i can see. the other horses don't do it. and it's the first few times she's been out with us and she just decides to take off, noones ever cantered with her at these places voluntarily! only galloped at her saying so lol.
 
hmm I would have a close look at these two spots as if she is ONLY doing it here it does sound like its the place, perhaps there is something that doesnt stand out immediately that is scaring her, and becasue she is a bit nervy after her past or because she is new, she is bolting.
 
I know it sounds daft but I had a horse who did this and I found that dropping the reins and telling him he was a good boy stopped him dead. Unfortunately when a horse bolts our reaction is to fight against them through the rein and this can cause them to panic and run. Its hard to stay calm but if you can it will help.
 
how odd is that, mine used to lose the plot at times and charge off in huge panic and I was told to drop the reins, pat and say good boy and it worked every time!! having said that i was in a huge school so it wasnt so hard to try
 
Failing that you could try the 'pulley rein' to disengage the hindquarters and block some of the forward movement..has to be done in a give and take fashion though not a constant yanking! - Anchor yourself with one fist planted firmly into her neck (this rein doesn't have to be tight) then with your other hand firmly give and take, give and take, enough to have some bend (give) in her neck. This works as a speed regulator on TBs which is where I learnt to use it. Works for me when my mare gets over exhuberant!! You can also block forward movement with your body position, try to sit tall and slightly behind the movement. I know jockey position is different but notice how they stand up and brace against the horse when they need to slow down after the finish. I'm not sure where on your hack your horse is bolting but it could be that it's not safe to drop the reins entirely as suggested, I have however also heard this can work although have not been brave enough to try this myself at speed!!
 
thanks guys! if i am brave enough i'll try dropping the reins and i'll have a look at the places. although it seems like she thinks to herself before taking off, it's not like a panic bolting.
 
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