Help! Horse bolting when being led in. Total loss at way forward

[bushbaby28]

Hi,

In desperate need of help. For the last few months we've had a problem with our cob bolting when we're leading him in from the field. Literally gives no warning, he's just gone, and kicks out at the same time which puts us in danger.

We have tried stallion chains, rope halters, bridles and now a chifney and nothing makes a difference - he doesn't give you a chance to turn him and distraction with treats / positive enforcement won't work either. Its not every night - its maybe once every few weeks.

Tonight just feels like the last straw as my mums tried to get him in, and he's bolting every time she gets hold of him, so she has no choice but to leave him out and galloping around like a lunatic until I can get there to help at 5.30.

He's on a small amount of good doer chaff and ad lib hay. No grass in field.

Not able to work him much at the moment due to weather and dark nights.

Any advice at all??

 

[AmyMay]

Has he been left on his own prior to coming in when this happens?

 

[Jesstickle]

Mine pulls away from time to time too. Mostly when it is particularly cold/rainy. He's basically ok in his stallion chains so I lead him in that always and use a long line. It's just a rush to get in as he's had enough of being out. Nothing wrong with him. He doesn't kick out though which changes things a bit.

Have you tried leading him with a lunge line rather than a rope. That way you get more time to get yourself together and keep hold of him. If he stops being able to get away and achieve what he is after he might well stop doing it altogether?

ETS: this makes me sound totally negligent but I should add that he has food and sufficient rugs at all times. He is neither cold nor hungry, just an arse. I would bring him in at lunch time but

a) I'm at work and can't
b) Nitty would then have to come in too and as she weaves chronically whilst stabled I consider his grumpiness the lesser of two evils. Particularly as he only tries it on about once a month these days anywa!

 

[highlandponygirl]

Is there anything on the way back to the stables that is catching his eye that he is unsure about or afraid of. Is he being brought in to empty stables, and possibly a bit anxious of being separated from friends.
I second the lunge line option.

 

[marmalade76]

This happened to a friend of mine a few months ago. She bought a lovely, quality cob. She made it clear to the sellers that she was a nervous novice and they said he'd be perfect. He got away from her four times the first time she tried to bring him in from the field. He would lead to the gate like a lamb and then rip away from her at the gate. On the next attempt she took him into a paddock and shut the gate behind them, he got away from her again and jumped out of the paddock over the water trough! She managed to get him in eventually but sent him back to the seller who is supposed to be re-selling it for her, but I can't see how when they're not bothering to advertise it. Shame, as he is a lovely cob and has a fab jump! I think he was napping back to the ponies who were out when she was tring to bring him in.

 

[LIP2806]

Does he have hay in the field or in his stable?

I would be careful about useing a chifney, bridle or chain because it may not be very nice if he still gets away, and then treads on the rope. I'd use a rope halter and long rope, gloves and hat

 

[bushbaby28]

Yes he's left alone temporarily while my other horse is brought in but we've tried it the other way round and he does it then too. I think its more about 'sod this, i'm going in NOW' or because he can rather than being scared. Before he goes (and during, and after) he shows no sign of anxiety. Its more excitement.

Glad he isn't the only one. My mum eventually got him in by having a longer rope, so that when he did try it again, she had enough time to get hold of him and check him- but as discussed above, this has the negative effect that if he does get away he could really hurt himself if he trod on the rope or got it caught.

I'm wondering if part of the problem is lack of exercise and lack of grass. He has constant access to hay and is turned out as much as possible. Bring on the spring when there's more food, he can live out 24/7 and work every day. He was better temporarily when we moved fields as he had a small amount of grass left.

 

[jhoward]

have hold of him very tightly, if possible walk with a elbow in the crook of his neck, so his head is turned around around you. if he does go to go your half way to pulling him round.

the other thing, im not a huge fan of, but it did work with a big horse i had that started to be a pig to turn out, a treat ever few stride so he is thinking about the food rather than mates etc.
lots of treats to start, then start increasing the distance until the treat is given when in the stable, to not atall.

 

[hayinamanger]

Once a horse has learnt that he can break away from you, it's very difficult to break him of the habit. I'm a fan of the Richard Maxwell halter, it's been a life saving tool for dealing with some of the big, ignorant bu99ers that have passed through here. Use it on a long rope and give him a few good yanks with it, he'll soon get the idea that him being a lower body hole is not acceptable.

 

[LouS]

Rope halter, long rope and gloves. Do some groundwork and teach him to respect it. I've been doing some work with mine, I will stop then swing the rope in a circle in front of me if he tries to walk past and keep swinging it until he backs up, doesn't take them long to figure out I stop, you stop and don't try to go past me.

If they do get past you I would dig my heels in and pull them straight round to face me and mean it, he's taking the absolute piss. You have next to no control in a normal headcollar so definitely invest in a rope type training halter and learn how to use it properly.

 

[Julia0803]

I sympathise greatly.

The cob I used to share did this. It was horrid. Again, not all the time, maybe once a week. He was built like a brick outhouse and he would go and there was diddly squat you could do about it tbh. He was pretty awful as he would tank off, stick his head down and then keep turning his bum to you when you approached him, and he was not kidding!

We brought him in a bridle with lots of treats to try and distract him... it helped but he still did it....

(he was a brilliant confidence giving ride tho, so he was forgiven for having outbursts of being a total sod!)

 

[stencilface]

Any chance you can get an instructor or a big burly man to stop him from doing this? Some horses just learn they can get away with things very quickly. My mums/sisters horse won't let my mum get on from the gate if she takes him out my herself, he just continually circles away. If my sister rides him, or even if we're riding out with my mum he won't do it

I would ditto the comment above about elbows to, they can come in very useful. Keep him always behind, never let him get his nose, or especially his shoulder in front of you, as then you know you've lost it! A sharp elbow in the neck at the same time as a firm hold on front end can always work.

Failing that, you may just have to keep repeating until he behaves, as in take him back to the field and keep repeating, can you lead a friend at the same time, maybe at the weekend?

 

[sakura]

I used to have a cob who did this, he also kicked out and the walkways at the yard I was on were so narrow a long rope did nothing - coupled with his kicking out which then turned into rearing

I went through hell and back trying to find a reason for it. There was nothing wrong with him physically or mentally, his diet was basically nothing (hifi lite!), he wasn't starving, he wasn't trying to get to any other horse - he just knew he could and it was fun galloping around fields!

there was however one thing that solved it - and that was working him hard during the day. I sold him on to a busy home where he works all the time and loves it - he never messes around anymore

I understand how difficult it is at this time of year to get them worked (my cob only did it when he wasn't worked much) and it's very much like you're stuck between a rock and a hard place. Wear a hat, gloves, use a long rope and a rope halter/pressure halter and do as much groundwork as you can - good luck!

 

[Foxhunter49]

When a horse learns its own strength then it is a danger to the handlers and itself.

A chain across the nose will usually work providing that the handler knows exactly when and how to use it. Then there are the horses that will go through this and still tank off.

You probably will not like this but when it comes to horse or me then I am going to look after me first when it comes to safety.

I would get a long length of strong nylon rope. Preferably one that went from the gate to halfway to the stables. I would tie one end of the rope to a strong gatepost and fix the other to the halter along with the ordinary halter rope. When he went to take off I would just let him go and stand well clear. The rope to the gate post will stop him hard and fast. I would then catch him and take him back to the gate and repeat until he realised that he could not get away from me not reach his stable.

It might well be tough but he needs to learn that although he is stronger than humans they are more clever.

 

[spike123]

My horse was exactly the same when I first got him. He put a livery in a hedge and kicked her as he went on one occassion and as at the time he was a complete arse on the ground in general many people told me to get rid fast. He is now a total lamb 99% of the time but occassionally if someone different goes to lead him and he detects the slightest doubt in their ability or confidence he is off. Mine sets his neck and just goes and if you aren't aware of it then you have no chance. I second the idea of leading in a lunge line and a bridle for that extra bit of control and also the elbow in crook of neck to push him back the second he gets too close. Also ground work is important. He needs to understand that if you say over or back he must obey. The ability to control his feet is part of the key to having overall control of him when leading and in all other aspects of being around him without him pushing the boundaries. One thing that hasn't been asked is does he have a dinner waiting for him in his stable the second he goes in? If so then I suggest you stop feeding him straight away and wait 20 minutes or so once he is in there before giving him dinner.That way the excitement of going in for dinner will not be there.

 

[hayinamanger]

When a horse learns its own strength then it is a danger to the handlers and itself.

A chain across the nose will usually work providing that the handler knows exactly when and how to use it. Then there are the horses that will go through this and still tank off.

You probably will not like this but when it comes to horse or me then I am going to look after me first when it comes to safety.

I would get a long length of strong nylon rope. Preferably one that went from the gate to halfway to the stables. I would tie one end of the rope to a strong gatepost and fix the other to the halter along with the ordinary halter rope. When he went to take off I would just let him go and stand well clear. The rope to the gate post will stop him hard and fast. I would then catch him and take him back to the gate and repeat until he realised that he could not get away from me not reach his stable.

It might well be tough but he needs to learn that although he is stronger than humans they are more clever.

Love this!

 

[JFTDWS]

Mine pulls away from time to time too. Mostly when it is particularly cold/rainy. He's basically ok in his stallion chains so I lead him in that always and use a long line. It's just a rush to get in as he's had enough of being out. Nothing wrong with him. He doesn't kick out though which changes things a bit.

Have you tried leading him with a lunge line rather than a rope. That way you get more time to get yourself together and keep hold of him. If he stops being able to get away and achieve what he is after he might well stop doing it altogether?

ETS: this makes me sound totally negligent but I should add that he has food and sufficient rugs at all times. He is neither cold nor hungry, just an arse. I would bring him in at lunch time but

a) I'm at work and can't
b) Nitty would then have to come in too and as she weaves chronically whilst stabled I consider his grumpiness the lesser of two evils. Particularly as he only tries it on about once a month these days anywa!

BH and Fergie could be twins, separated at birth... (If you were blind, of course).

Fergs used to beggar off when I tried to bring him in at previous livery yard. My two would be out later than everything else and I'd bring in about 10pm in the dark. They both preferred being out later (and I didn't have much choice due to work) but Fergs didn't appreciate walking up from the field - he thought it should be done in gallop so he could get to his dinner quickly.

Unfortunately, even with his head bent round and my shoulder in his neck, he's stronger than me, chain over his nose didn't work, so I just lead him in in a bridle and if he did get away from me, he found it empty of feed/hay and as soon as I got up there, he was dragged back out of his stable and forced to come back in at my pace.

He's lovely to handle now, but I'd never lead him out in a headcollar for any reason - I couldn't trust him!

 

[Marydoll]

Rope halter, long rope and gloves. Do some groundwork and teach him to respect it. I've been doing some work with mine, I will stop then swing the rope in a circle in front of me if he tries to walk past and keep swinging it until he backs up, doesn't take them long to figure out I stop, you stop and don't try to go past me.

If they do get past you I would dig my heels in and pull them straight round to face me and mean it, he's taking the absolute piss. You have next to no control in a normal headcollar so definitely invest in a rope type training halter and learn how to use it properly.

Deffo this, Max helped me with my guy when i had him out for loading issues and i never looked back, ive used the equipment and techniques on others horses when the owners have been at their wits end, all with good success,.Its very important to put the basic schooling and understanding of the pressure realease training in with the horse, or you could end up with more bother

 

[Jesstickle]

Once a horse has learnt that he can break away from you, it's very difficult to break him of the habit. I'm a fan of the Richard Maxwell halter, it's been a life saving tool for dealing with some of the big, ignorant bu99ers that have passed through here. Use it on a long rope and give him a few good yanks with it, he'll soon get the idea that him being a lower body hole is not acceptable.

OMG but it really is. I didn't teach mine to do it. He was badly handled as an 18month colt (until after he was 2 so pretty ingrained behaviour) and now, after I've had him for 2 years and have always taken a zero tolerance approach, he will still do it if the whim takes him. It's incredibly infuriating and I do wish people could be vetted before being allowed to buy a horse!

When a horse learns its own strength then it is a danger to the handlers and itself.

A chain across the nose will usually work providing that the handler knows exactly when and how to use it. Then there are the horses that will go through this and still tank off.

You probably will not like this but when it comes to horse or me then I am going to look after me first when it comes to safety.

I would get a long length of strong nylon rope. Preferably one that went from the gate to halfway to the stables. I would tie one end of the rope to a strong gatepost and fix the other to the halter along with the ordinary halter rope. When he went to take off I would just let him go and stand well clear. The rope to the gate post will stop him hard and fast. I would then catch him and take him back to the gate and repeat until he realised that he could not get away from me not reach his stable.

It might well be tough but he needs to learn that although he is stronger than humans they are more clever.

I have never thought of this but I may try it. My only concern is that mine would just pull the post out of the ground. He can be a bit of a knob like that. Hmm. Plots an evil plan to prevent BH acting like a tit....

(should say that I nearly always out smart him but it's always good to have an extra trick up the sleeve. He'll stop in his chains but he knows damn well when I haven't got it and he's off, I reckon pulling this one on him in his normal headcollar could really scupper his plans!)

 

[CBFan]

I really feel your pain. My boy does this... kind of, except he pulls away from me to go up the track past the fields (in the oposite direction to the yard) to go show off to the boys in the field. He does it purely for entertainment value, just because he can. Ive had my boy since he was 18 months old, unfortunatey poorly halter broken, and despite having a zero tollerance aproach I still havent won. he's INCREADIBLY clever and always coming up with new tricks!

With a bit in his mouth I have half a chance of stopping him and I have also found leading him from the right instead of left makes it easier to prevent him doing it (due to the direction I am leading him in) I use a lunge rope, and yes he sometimes does stand on it... which makes him stop. Bargain! I think the benefits of it far outweigh the risk of him hurting himself.

My boy also bucks as he's pulling away sometimes... after breaking my arm, I've learnt to duck!

Always wear a hat and gloves...

 

[attheponies]

I'd be worried about a broken neck with Foxhunter's suggestion unless I'm reading it wrong. I've had my chap coming up for 5 years and basically have got used to him. (He rears when leading and quite deliberately pulls the rope out of your hands with his foreleg). I've tried all sorts including NH (which did help considerably, particularly making him move back a few steps if he is rude) but I've found the Be Nice to be the most successful (this also worked best with a pony who used to pull away & take off). I'd avoid the lunge line (although I did try lunging my chap across the field and into the yard on occasions), but I'd use a 12' rope. I've found quiet perseverance has paid off and never letting your concentration drop for a moment! Good luck it really is a pain when they have a habit like this.

 

[Marydoll]

When a horse learns its own strength then it is a danger to the handlers and itself.

A chain across the nose will usually work providing that the handler knows exactly when and how to use it. Then there are the horses that will go through this and still tank off.

You probably will not like this but when it comes to horse or me then I am going to look after me first when it comes to safety.

I would get a long length of strong nylon rope. Preferably one that went from the gate to halfway to the stables. I would tie one end of the rope to a strong gatepost and fix the other to the halter along with the ordinary halter rope. When he went to take off I would just let him go and stand well clear. The rope to the gate post will stop him hard and fast. I would then catch him and take him back to the gate and repeat until he realised that he could not get away from me not reach his stable.

It might well be tough but he needs to learn that although he is stronger than humans they are more clever.

Ooh never tried that, i do agree when they realise their strength they are a real danger if the decide to use it againt you and it needs nailed on the head sharpish

 

[Jesstickle]

I'd be worried about a broken neck with Foxhunter's suggestion unless I'm reading it wrong.

I'm more worried about my broken neck than his to be honest. Besides, mine never goes anywhere faster than trot so unlikely! lol

 

[TeamChaser]

Would echo what others have said - need to be pretty tough to curb this behaviour.

I'm in no way a bully or mean but I'm a female weighing in at 8 and a half stone and my horses are both 16.1hh and weigh in at approx half a ton .... they have to respect me or they could be a danger to me.

TB once had a complete fit coming in from the field as another horse was jumping in the outdoor school. Straight up in the air, striking out, pushing me into an electric fence - scary stuff. Thankfully male yard owner was on hand and grabbed him and wrapped rope round his nose and got control. He did try it again couple of days later but I had the rope round his nose, elbow hard in his chest/neck and really growled as soon as I saw the tail go up - he thought better of it. Guess you almost need to expect him to do it, which seems a bit unfair but until you've got this under control, don't give him the benefit of the doubt

Mine are both fit (hunter/team chasers) so do sometimes get a bit full of themselves. ISH was convinced his choice of the way home was preferable to mine so we had some rearing and napping. He was absolutely not allowed to go in the direction he wanted and soon realised his only 2 choices were to stand there all night, or go in my chosen direction We then went back and forth, back and forth along the stretch of lane until he walked past the turning nicely. And I would of bloody stayed out there until it was dark if I'd had to

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

My cob used to do this

I got one of Kelly Marks RA's out, she beahved appalling with him to start with so he could really so what she did instead of behaving like an angel We did a couple of hours of groundwork with her - he showed nme a few techniques of how to lead her with a dually on. I then practised what I had been shoen for a few weeks afterwaqrds.

She ALWAYS has a dually on when being lead, it also has an extra long lead rope attached - it gives you leverage as well as keeping you out of the way. I always used to wear gloves when turning her out and always turnedher in and out on her own - would never take another horse. That was all several years ago now but it has done the trick. SHe still has a the Dually on every day and the extra long lead rope but I turn her and WB out together and bring in together all the time. On the very odd occaision she will still try to barge but a swift tug on her Dually and gives up. Well worth the investment of some time and money.

No point in using a chifney on a cob who is barging and running as all you do is hurt their mouth - they are effective in horses with a HIGH head carriage or a tendancy to rear - cobs put their heads DOWN and barge. Also pointless in using a whip/stick - will just make them run fasterMy cob was also a rescue so using a whip near her when I first got her would mean you getting your head kicked in....

Spend the time and money on a RA who can show you the different techniques so you can all handle him when he is being bargy - it can be done

 

[ladyt25]

Have to say mine has done this sine i have had him - that's 17 years now! It got worse though after he stayed a term at college and quickly realised the students were no match for his strength! This resulted in them having to have 2 students with a stallion chain to lead him to and from the field!

I rarely lead him in a normal headcollar and, if I do I will normally have the rope around his nose. I bought the Eskadron chain headcollar and that works for him although he will still consider having a go on occasion. However, I can generally tell when he's that way out (I've had him that long!), he gets a 'look' so I then have to let him know i am on to him and pre-empt any run away attempt. he will get growled at and I make sure he does not get his shoulder past me. He's worse in the summer when he's being lead from our furthest field as you have to lead him through another large field and he gets giddy!

Usually a firm growl/some stern words and a nice firm hold on the lead rein, tug on the chain to remind him works!

How is yours to lead in a normal bridle or even a gag type bridle so you can keep his head up? I find these types get their weight forward, head set and go so the trick is to get their head up.

 

[MrsMozart]

Little Lad used to be like this, absolute g1t for it. He's much, much better now.

We had a stage where he had a chifney and a pressure halter, with a long lead rope off one and a lunge line on the other. Two handlers. When he went, it was pretty quick, but because we had the longer lines, we were able to swing him round.

To break the habit, we started titbitting, patting, stopping for a scratch and general attention, plus a lot of ground work (stopping and starting and changing direction).

 

[Spyda]

Okay not cheap but I highly recommend one of these to anyone being put at risk leading a horse (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stephens-...t=UK_Horse_Wear_Equipment&hash=item27ba38cae2). Invaluable piece of kit that I would not be without. I found a second hand one on eBay back along and picked it up for £40. I always lead my horse in one of these, using a lunge rein. 98% of time she walks on a loose(ish) rein but for those 2% I am very grateful for the Stephen's. It's very humane as a very quick tug is all that is needed to get the horse's full attention. Nothing is going to run away with one of these on and it's much more effective and less harmful than a Chifney IMO.

Don't forget to wear a hard hat when you're handling him, too. I speak from the experience of receiving a hind hoof to the face and needing reconstructive surgery Glad I was wearing a hat or I might not still be here. In fact, had I not been, I wouldn't be.

 

[Jesstickle]

I rarely lead him in a normal headcollar and, if I do I will normally have the rope around his nose. I bought the Eskadron chain headcollar and that works for him although he will still consider having a go on occasion. However, I can generally tell when he's that way out (I've had him that long!), he gets a 'look' so I then have to let him know i am on to him and pre-empt any run away attempt. he will get growled at and I make sure he does not get his shoulder past me. He's worse in the summer when he's being lead from our furthest field as you have to lead him through another large field and he gets giddy!

I have the Eskadron headcollar too. Great thing it is as well. And I can also tell when mine is about to go. Only difference is mine is worse in winter and is lovely in summer

Do you know where to get replacement rings from nowdays? I'm really struggling to find them anymore and lord knobber broke my last spare pulling away and stepping on the rope a few weeks ago

 

[Sussexbythesea]

It's horrible when they do this one minute your walking along the next your grass-skiing!

I'm no expert but I would start with - Does he have any hay in the field? And does he have food waiting for him in the stable?

If possible I would hay him in the field so he is not so desperate to go in to eat and not leave him anything in the stable so he isn't so keen to get back to his stable. Put any food in a little time after he is in. Also I would do some leading practice in a contained environment so that for example you lead him forward voice a whoa or similar command and halt and reward so that he is rewarded for stopping and listening and waiting. When he has learnt this then hopefully when he hears the whoa command he will stop and listen. You can't teach them when they are in an excitable state you have to do it firstly in a calm and safe environment then transfer the the problem environment.

I also second some sort of contoller halter and a longer rope but not a lunge line.

Hopefully this behaviour will arise less often but most horses have what I call their "party piece" something that they learnt to do and occasionally revert back to when they see an opportunity e.g. a new or nervous handler.