AmyMay
Situation normal
It's also really important to learn to ride the horse more effectively as well as putting a stronger bit in it's mouth.
Bolting horse on a fun ride.
- Thread starter Beccahh
- Start date
It's also really important to learn to ride the horse more effectively as well as putting a stronger bit in it's mouth.
Clodagh
Playing chess with pigeons
OMG the HHO word and actions police are out today!
I would go early, ask for the earliest start time you can get and then hack on so you don't get overtaken. I had a strong mare and although not stoppable it was no fun so we used to set out very early and trot and canter plenty so no one needed to overtake. I would also put a stronger bit in, but try it at home first in case he hates it and becomes a plonker!
I would go early, ask for the earliest start time you can get and then hack on so you don't get overtaken. I had a strong mare and although not stoppable it was no fun so we used to set out very early and trot and canter plenty so no one needed to overtake. I would also put a stronger bit in, but try it at home first in case he hates it and becomes a plonker!
L&M
Well-Known Member
If I had this issue I wouldn't choose Marbury as my first attempt at a fun ride.
It gets very busy and there are not many open spaces you can let them let off steam - it is more of a XC schooling venue than a fun ride and very easy to get caught up with other groups of riders.
Also the ground can be very wet there and doubt it will have dried up significantly by April -a potentially out of control horse on slippy ground sounds like a recipe for disaster to me.
There are plenty of quieter fun rides with more space over the summer mnths, especially if you are prepared to travel over the border into Shropshire.
Good luck!
It gets very busy and there are not many open spaces you can let them let off steam - it is more of a XC schooling venue than a fun ride and very easy to get caught up with other groups of riders.
Also the ground can be very wet there and doubt it will have dried up significantly by April -a potentially out of control horse on slippy ground sounds like a recipe for disaster to me.
There are plenty of quieter fun rides with more space over the summer mnths, especially if you are prepared to travel over the border into Shropshire.
Good luck!
MaHats
Well-Known Member
I would suggest that you go as late as possible, don't go early, all the faster riders go early. Leave it as late as you can.
If he gets himself all wound up (unless it has changed), by the time you get to feel like you cannot hold him back anymore, there is a big field, which has an incline (to the left as you enter the field), maybe you can take him just off the track and do some big circles using the hill. I've seen it done a few times; and had to do it there myself. Depends how it goes, but normally that would take the edge off the horse, but if not, (and if I recall correctly) the track after that follows the edge of a field, and although it could get fast, the horse would naturally stay on the track, and I would think he would be calm by the time you got to the end of that field.
Try to keep him under control till you get there, then, if he does go, its just a long gallop with nothing to get in your way.
The jumps are easy to avoid.
Do go as late as you are allowed, then you are left with the riders who want to go slower, and the chance of someone wanting to overtake much reduced.
Avoid areas where people are doing jumps that could just wind him up.
And try to stay calm, if he feels you are excited he will be too.
Depending on my horse, if I thought I would have a problem, I would either sit with a very relaxed rein, like it was just a boring old hack, or get a fast trot to keep them busy, the trot thats fast enough to make it more difficult to get into canter, and just keep trotting. If he wants to go and you just hold him back all the way, maybe that would not work out for him.
Or you could get a minder rider to come with you for your first ride, someone who will bring an experience horse and swap with you if yours gets difficult, ride him thru it and swap back with you when he has settled. Ive done that before at the Marbury Fun Ride.
You will love it, its great fun. And apologies if I'm saying what you know already
If he gets himself all wound up (unless it has changed), by the time you get to feel like you cannot hold him back anymore, there is a big field, which has an incline (to the left as you enter the field), maybe you can take him just off the track and do some big circles using the hill. I've seen it done a few times; and had to do it there myself. Depends how it goes, but normally that would take the edge off the horse, but if not, (and if I recall correctly) the track after that follows the edge of a field, and although it could get fast, the horse would naturally stay on the track, and I would think he would be calm by the time you got to the end of that field.
Try to keep him under control till you get there, then, if he does go, its just a long gallop with nothing to get in your way.
The jumps are easy to avoid.
Do go as late as you are allowed, then you are left with the riders who want to go slower, and the chance of someone wanting to overtake much reduced.
Avoid areas where people are doing jumps that could just wind him up.
And try to stay calm, if he feels you are excited he will be too.
Depending on my horse, if I thought I would have a problem, I would either sit with a very relaxed rein, like it was just a boring old hack, or get a fast trot to keep them busy, the trot thats fast enough to make it more difficult to get into canter, and just keep trotting. If he wants to go and you just hold him back all the way, maybe that would not work out for him.
Or you could get a minder rider to come with you for your first ride, someone who will bring an experience horse and swap with you if yours gets difficult, ride him thru it and swap back with you when he has settled. Ive done that before at the Marbury Fun Ride.
You will love it, its great fun. And apologies if I'm saying what you know already
ester
Not slacking multitasking
OP I don't think you have said what your current bitting/noseband arrangement is.
Equilibrium Ireland
Well-Known Member
Something as simple as a kinenton can work wonders.
If I'm honest I try never to offer too many direct and what you should do suggestions when it comes to tanking off. Because it can make things worse. Honestly if any of mine decided they wanted to try and tank with me I'd lean forward give them a kick and say bring it on. That takes the fun straight out of it. But I really don't suggest the OP try this. It's a situation in which you need to know what's going on by seeing horse and rider together. Sometimes stronger bits can make horses worse. Thinking about different parts of your position only makes you panic worse than merely just trying to relax everything. It doesn't matter what you look like.
I worry sometimes on these kinds of threads with the wide variety of sometimes complicated info. I was telling someone in the barn about the time I had the bad crash in which the mare killed herself by running blind. The woman here asked me why I didn't do the one rein stop. She said she saw Norman Williamson do it on TV and that that was the correct way of pulling up a bolter. Gee whiz, why didn't I think of that. Life could be so simple managing 1200 pds of horse flesh. Why bless your heart. And if I'm brutally honest that can turn a tricky situation deadly if you really don't know exactly what you're up against. So unless I fully understand the nature of the trouble I hate to offer advice.
FWIW, I will never rehab a true bolter. There is no point and I have up long ago having to be the best rider ever. I go with my strengths. I'm never too proud to get a better rider on something I can't do a good job with.
Terri
If I'm honest I try never to offer too many direct and what you should do suggestions when it comes to tanking off. Because it can make things worse. Honestly if any of mine decided they wanted to try and tank with me I'd lean forward give them a kick and say bring it on. That takes the fun straight out of it. But I really don't suggest the OP try this. It's a situation in which you need to know what's going on by seeing horse and rider together. Sometimes stronger bits can make horses worse. Thinking about different parts of your position only makes you panic worse than merely just trying to relax everything. It doesn't matter what you look like.
I worry sometimes on these kinds of threads with the wide variety of sometimes complicated info. I was telling someone in the barn about the time I had the bad crash in which the mare killed herself by running blind. The woman here asked me why I didn't do the one rein stop. She said she saw Norman Williamson do it on TV and that that was the correct way of pulling up a bolter. Gee whiz, why didn't I think of that. Life could be so simple managing 1200 pds of horse flesh. Why bless your heart. And if I'm brutally honest that can turn a tricky situation deadly if you really don't know exactly what you're up against. So unless I fully understand the nature of the trouble I hate to offer advice.
FWIW, I will never rehab a true bolter. There is no point and I have up long ago having to be the best rider ever. I go with my strengths. I'm never too proud to get a better rider on something I can't do a good job with.
Terri
LollyDolly
Well-Known Member
This! I live 2 minutes walk away from Marbury Park and I have done all my life, I've been walking and riding there since I was a child. Personally I wouldn't advise taking your horse there until you are 110% as there are LOADS of walkers and dogs too, my horse is stabled 5 minutes hack away and even though it's my local fun ride I wouldn't take him there yet as he is just too sharp.
Roasted Chestnuts
Well-Known Member
Oh amymay how little you know but still make silly judgements and statements like the above 
But then again what else have I come to expect really, did he do the same again, no he didn't and he now goes round these rides in a snaffle on the buckle
I'd had him 3yrs by this point so I think I knew him rather well thanks
But then again what else have I come to expect really, did he do the same again, no he didn't and he now goes round these rides in a snaffle on the buckle
I'd had him 3yrs by this point so I think I knew him rather well thanks mle22
Well-Known Member
If you think you won't be able to hold him, don't go. It's too dangerous.
Equilibrium Ireland
Well-Known Member
I'd never offer BB advice. More likely to ask for some from her myself!
Terri
Terri
Orls
Well-Known Member
AmyMay
Situation normal
Oh amymay how little you know but still make silly judgements and statements like the above
But then again what else have I come to expect really, did he do the same again, no he didn't and he now goes round these rides in a snaffle on the buckle
Actually BB I was endorsing what you'd written. But adding the addendum that it's important to up one's skill as a rider as well. Which was not a criticism of you, but important for all of us.
The point being there's no point in bitting the horse up if the op can't ride the bloody thing.
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Roasted Chestnuts
Well-Known Member
Really well apologies then, 
Flame_
Well-Known Member
FFS, the definition of the word bolt is "to dash away", the whole of HHO is wrong about this over and over.
Anyway, OP, try out different bits in safe situations until, if possible, you find some reliable controls. Please don't go to Marbury, it puts other people in danger if your horse is out of control (and I might be going )
Anyway, OP, try out different bits in safe situations until, if possible, you find some reliable controls. Please don't go to Marbury, it puts other people in danger if your horse is out of control (and I might be going
)
AmyMay
Situation normal
In what way are the whole of HHO wrong? Wrong as in bolting is not a serious problem or wrong as in using the word incorrectly to describe a horse merely ******ing off periodically?
Equilibrium Ireland
Well-Known Member
Oh ok. Thanks for that clarification. Maybe we should do a horse dictionary. Bolt means different things to different people. I really don't wish a "dash off" on anybody.
Terri
Terri
Flame_
Well-Known Member
Wrong as in thinking that bolting isn't the correct term for runaway/ pissing off / tanking off horses. It is.
AmyMay
Situation normal
Well it does seem to, doesn't it? Going by the number of times it's referred to in posts on here as merely a horse that b&ggers off.
Must admit, I've never known Bolt referred to as anything than a horse running blindly out of control. A danger to rider and itself alike.
But I suppose if this post teaches us anything - it's not to assume. Which brings us full circle to the reason why clarification was sought from a number of posters in the first place (much to the annoyance of one or two it would seem.......)
Roasted Chestnuts
Well-Known Member
Oh dear
PMSL Terri. We tend to use the term fooking off round here personally
Really the whole terminology thing is geographical and yes the term bolter does generally mean that the horse goes til it can't or summat stops it but maybe roundabout where this OP is that's the term for pee-ing off.
It goes with the whole Crack/Smack/Belt terminolgy when it comes to whips, just depends what your hearing round about you as to what you associate with the meaning
Girl didn't mean not harm and it only took me a minute to realise what the OP meant, that the horse wast a true bolter
PMSL Terri. We tend to use the term fooking off round here personally
Really the whole terminology thing is geographical and yes the term bolter does generally mean that the horse goes til it can't or summat stops it but maybe roundabout where this OP is that's the term for pee-ing off.
It goes with the whole Crack/Smack/Belt terminolgy when it comes to whips, just depends what your hearing round about you as to what you associate with the meaning
Girl didn't mean not harm and it only took me a minute to realise what the OP meant, that the horse wast a true bolter
Mongoose11
Well-Known Member
I disagree Flame_ whatever the dictionary definition is I think that most of the horse world makes a distinction between bolting and tanking - hence there being two different words that we commonly apply to two different situations and mostly we understand what they mean. My horse can tank, she has never bolted.
Littlelegs
Well-Known Member
I think I'd be trying group hacks first, either somewhere you are likely to bump into other riders, or pre-arrange to meet another group who can overtake you. Even if nobody does overtake in canter, someone overtaking at walking speed on something prancing & snorting can have the same effect as someone having a sedate canter past. And if group hacking etc all went fine, I'd build up over the summer first. And for the actual fun ride use a bit with two reins (which one dependent on current bit etc) so if the worst happened I had an emergency stop rein.
Re the bolting or just pishing off comments, I do think its important. What if someone reading this gets the impression we all think its ok to even be on a true bolter, let alone suggesting ideas for controlling one on a fun ride.
Re the bolting or just pishing off comments, I do think its important. What if someone reading this gets the impression we all think its ok to even be on a true bolter, let alone suggesting ideas for controlling one on a fun ride.
marley and danni
Well-Known Member
id be tempet t try a pelham on the moments he bolts just pick up curb as extra break thats what i do
im also going marbury on 1st with a friend i always shout first and trot past unless ok to canter past xx
im also going marbury on 1st with a friend
i always shout first and trot past unless ok to canter past xxjuliette
Well-Known Member
To answer your question OP I wouldn't take your horse to this fun ride at the moment, maybe something to aim for next year, as it sounds from other posters as though this is a very popular ride. I'd try something smaller first.
I have got a new horse recently and enjoy pleasure rides. Before we went to our first pleasure ride I practised situaitons that could arise on the pleasure ride whist out hacking with other friends. For example, I ride off they stay behind, they ride off I stay behind - and I mean round a corner out of sight - not just slightly ahead! They canter off - I walk etc etc. You need to be confident that you can handle this before you go.
Etiquette means riders SHOULD ask to pass and should pass in walk or trot once you have agreed it is ok for them to do so. It does not sound like the ride you have chosen has riders who always follow this rule.
Also, nobody has mentioned tail ribbons, when you do go to your first pleasure rides, put a green ribbon in your horses tail to indicate it is novice in this discipline. I would also add a red tail ribbon, which will mean people give you a bit more space as they will be under the impression your horse may kick.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
I have got a new horse recently and enjoy pleasure rides. Before we went to our first pleasure ride I practised situaitons that could arise on the pleasure ride whist out hacking with other friends. For example, I ride off they stay behind, they ride off I stay behind - and I mean round a corner out of sight - not just slightly ahead! They canter off - I walk etc etc. You need to be confident that you can handle this before you go.
Etiquette means riders SHOULD ask to pass and should pass in walk or trot once you have agreed it is ok for them to do so. It does not sound like the ride you have chosen has riders who always follow this rule.
Also, nobody has mentioned tail ribbons, when you do go to your first pleasure rides, put a green ribbon in your horses tail to indicate it is novice in this discipline. I would also add a red tail ribbon, which will mean people give you a bit more space as they will be under the impression your horse may kick.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
Simbacat
Well-Known Member
I think everyone as secretly loves this thread as its the one thing we are all terrified of - out of control on a bolting horse 
polly101
Member
Id love to do this fun ride, but not confident enough yet to do any.
From friends that have been on lots of fun rides I am told its much better to go as late as possible if you want to take it steady, so that you wont get anyone behind you galloping past.
From friends that have been on lots of fun rides I am told its much better to go as late as possible if you want to take it steady, so that you wont get anyone behind you galloping past.
Orls
Well-Known Member
It wasn't the seeking of clarification which annoyed me. It was the going on and on and on about it and then being rude to the OP when she came back and provided the information which was asked for which irritated me.
And now I've realised I'm going on and on and on so I'll shut up now
Honey08
Waffled a lot!
I don't think you're ready to do this fun ride with your horse just yet. I would build up your general control issues and hack out with a variety of horses - going in front and behind at all speeds until you feel safe. Then, for your first farm ride, do something that is open all the time, such as Somerford or Kelsall Hill and book a day off mid week perhaps, when it will be quiet, to see how he goes on. Then build up to the ones that the whole world goes round in one day types.
Ps, re the terminology arguement, a lot of both novice and young riders term "boogering orf" as bolting. I used to as a child. When you're going faster than you've ever gone and you can't stop, it feels like bolting! I think most can work out what she meant!
Ps, re the terminology arguement, a lot of both novice and young riders term "boogering orf" as bolting. I used to as a child. When you're going faster than you've ever gone and you can't stop, it feels like bolting! I think most can work out what she meant!
Lizzie66
Well-Known Member
I was going to recommend the opposite!
Unless you are planning to go round pretty quick, if you dont want to be overtaken thengo last, that way it is just the group you go with
TrasaM
Well-Known Member
AESOP Fable. The old man, the boy and the donkey.
A Man and his son were once going with their Donkey to market. As they were walking along by its side a countryman passed them and said: "You fools, what is a Donkey for but to ride upon?"
So the Man put the Boy on the Donkey and they went on their way. But soon they passed a group of men, one of whom said: "See that lazy youngster, he lets his father walk while he rides."
So the Man ordered his Boy to get off, and got on himself. But they hadn't gone far when they passed two women, one of whom said to the other: "Shame on that lazy lout to let his poor little son trudge along."
Well, the Man didn't know what to do, but at last he took his Boy up before him on the Donkey. By this time they had come to the town, and the passers-by began to jeer and point at them. The Man stopped and asked what they were scoffing at. The men said: "Aren't you ashamed of yourself for overloading that poor donkey of yoursu and your hulking son?"
The Man and Boy got off and tried to think what to do. They thought and they thought, till at last they cut down a pole, tied the donkey's feet to it, and raised the pole and the donkey to their shoulders. They went along amid the laughter of all who met them till they came to Market Bridge, when the Donkey, getting one of his feet loose, kicked out and caused the Boy to drop his end of the pole. In the struggle the Donkey fell over the bridge, and his fore-feet being tied together he was drowned.
"That will teach you," said an old man who had followed them:
"Please all, and you will please none."
Sorry, couldn't resist posting this.
A Man and his son were once going with their Donkey to market. As they were walking along by its side a countryman passed them and said: "You fools, what is a Donkey for but to ride upon?"
So the Man put the Boy on the Donkey and they went on their way. But soon they passed a group of men, one of whom said: "See that lazy youngster, he lets his father walk while he rides."
So the Man ordered his Boy to get off, and got on himself. But they hadn't gone far when they passed two women, one of whom said to the other: "Shame on that lazy lout to let his poor little son trudge along."
Well, the Man didn't know what to do, but at last he took his Boy up before him on the Donkey. By this time they had come to the town, and the passers-by began to jeer and point at them. The Man stopped and asked what they were scoffing at. The men said: "Aren't you ashamed of yourself for overloading that poor donkey of yoursu and your hulking son?"
The Man and Boy got off and tried to think what to do. They thought and they thought, till at last they cut down a pole, tied the donkey's feet to it, and raised the pole and the donkey to their shoulders. They went along amid the laughter of all who met them till they came to Market Bridge, when the Donkey, getting one of his feet loose, kicked out and caused the Boy to drop his end of the pole. In the struggle the Donkey fell over the bridge, and his fore-feet being tied together he was drowned.
"That will teach you," said an old man who had followed them:
"Please all, and you will please none."
Sorry, couldn't resist posting this.
FfionWinnie
Well-Known Member
But the donkey wasn't bolted, it was tied 
