Bolting horse

[Lauren180300]

I’m currently riding one of my friends cobs. He’s mainly a happy hacker and has been all his life.

He’s usually amazing to hack he will walk down the busiest of roads past big lorry’s and buses no problems but is scared of a bag in a bush but the last 6 months or so he’s started bolting off with people completely out of the blue and it’s really unpredictable as he will just shoot off full speed with no warning, as well as this if we’re out with other horses he is happy to walk and trot at the back but as soon as we canter he will bolt and dart round them full speed which usually causes his rider to fall off as he doesn’t bat an eye and just jumps to the side and then back again to get round.

I suppose my question is what do we do to break this habit and stop him from just taking off with us.

Any advice is great thank you.

 

[HannahB]

I wouldn't know as my cob only bolted once as was really scared, but I'd try in the Tack Room as more people check there xx

 

[AmyMay]

What bit is he ridden in?

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Welcome to the forum. I would try to work back from the first time he showed this behaviour, to find out if there were any changes in his management that led to the behaviour. If nothing is apparent, I would have his saddle/tack, back, teeth and eyes checked, so that would mean a vet appointment as well as EDT and a saddler/fitter.

 

[Lauren180300]

What bit is he ridden in?

He’s ridden in a Waterford at the minute

 

[Lauren180300]

Welcome to the forum. I would try to work back from the first time he showed this behaviour, to find out if there were any changes in his management that led to the behaviour. If nothing is apparent, I would have his saddle/tack, back, teeth and eyes checked, so that would mean a vet appointment as well as EDT and a saddler/fitter.

I can’t pin point exactly when he started doing it might have been shortly after his owner got another horse so we could hack together. He does bolt alone but seems so much worse with other horses.

will get everything checked too tho to be sure thank you

 

[Equi]

Id say its more tanking off than bolting, if he bolted he would be away over the hill through a fence and a bus if he came across it. Advise a vet have a look over him and a saddler/dentist have a look at him then maybe try and work with an instructor. Is the waterford in because of this issue or has he always had it?

 

[mini_b]

If it all comes back ok with teeth, saddle, etc etc all the usual physical checks.

doesn’t work in every case but bitting up can end up with your horse deciding to p*as off if they are that way inclined. Especially something like a Waterford (is great in some scenarios!)
If they are expecting to get their teeth socked out or absolutely hate what they have in their mouth they may express this by “running away from it”

obviously I don’t know full story but just something to consider.

 

[splashgirl45]

a bolting horse is dangerous as he doesnt take any notice of his surroundings and can run into fences etc.....many horse can run off and it is quite common. as said before check saddle fit and general health, maybe he is getting too much feed and not enough work....try working him in the school before hacking out and do plenty of canter once he is warmed up so cantering isnt so exciting when he hacks

 

[mini_b]

Also. The other horses could just be very exciting for your pony. Some get very strong in company. Mine included.
also I know some peoples first reaction is to pull up but this can make it 10x worse as they’ve got something to lean on and it can frighten sensitive ones into taking up more speed.

another thing. some horses will not go behind. If they are settled at the front, let them go at the front. Choose your battles.