hard to turnout.

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christinao

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hello, i thought i could ask on here about this. we have just bought a 14.2hh pony for my sister and he is great in every way except to turn out. He bolts for the gate and we cant hold him. If we use a bridle we are worried we might not get it off before he shoots off. the gate is closed so we catch him again there but cannot hold him once it is open a crack. any ideas welcome.
 
if he doesn't kick, one thing that works like a charm is that as he goes past you, cross the rope over his back (so his withers act as a fulcrum and you are on the other side of him) and pull hard, it'll stop him dead. my 12.2 used to do this and this was the only way to stop him. you need fast reactions though, and it helps to have a longish rope, and gloves on...
does he shoot off once you've opened the gate? try distracting him with some food, so he gets that before you let him go.
 
he is at home and goes in the field with the others. we get them in and out as we want them so there isnt a set time. He is the same in company. I will try the rope thing kerilli to see if we can get him to the gate at least.
the round the nose method just made him rear but thanks for replying anyway.
 
What about those head collars that tighten round the nose if the horse pulls.... specially for leading difficult horses... and i have no idea what they're called but i'm sure one of you clever lot can remember!!
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I had a similar problem with my horse. Everytime she steped into the field she would bolt through the gateway. I recently bought her a chain (like they use on stallions) and she hasnt been able to get away from me. It just secures under her chin and joins the headcollar to the leadrope!
 
The chain is fantastic; Eskadron do a headcollar with a chain which you can either use as a normal headcollar or attach to the chain. If they pull, the chain tightens around the nose, i use it for loading and turning out strong horses.
 
One of my horses used to do this. He used to drag me all the way down to the field in his bridle then as soon as I opened the field gate would try tank off, sometimes succeeding taking me with him! Not much fun! He's a very sharp exracer who is extremely sensitive.

Not sure if this would work for you and your boy but I overcame it by showing him that I had some nice strong smelling mints in my pocket!! I'd get one out and keep in my hand, open the gate whilst trying to keep him more interested in the mint and hey presto he wouldn't bolt off but would stand there waiting while I took his bridle off!! He'd then have his mint then go!

Two years on and he still occassionally drags me down to the field and has to be led in a chiffney but he will now always wait for a treat and for me to get out the field before he tanks off!! I'd rather he had a treat a day than risk catching his mouth (or break a jaw on chiffney!) or myself getting trampled!
 
OH I know this isnt helpul but I am soooo glad it is not just my boy doing this of late - it is cos he is hungry - and luckily we moved into winter paddock today alot closer to the stable!
I bought a chaing leadrope and wrap it once around his nose which did help for a while but yesterday he just took it with him
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I also do the mint in the pocket thing and mostly it works but again sometimes the lure of grass takes over.
Good luck - I am going to treat myself to a Chifney I think if it continues - as I receive assistance with turnout etc and dont want people to start not helping me!!
 
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