Horse bolted in school next to turn out field x 2 HELP

[MrsHhorses]

Today I fell off twice both times as soon as I got on my mare bolted to the far corner of the arena where her field mates were grazing next to us in their turn out field.
The first time I thought it was my mistake for not catching it quickly enough so I wasn’t balanced securely to turn her in a circle
I led her back, moved mounting block to the other side to start away from the herd the other side of the fence.
Head turned out towards the corner & my left rein was shorter.
As soon as my feet were in she ripped the reins from my hands, bolted and bucked me off mid way across the arena.
Both times she ended up stood in the corner next to the herd the other side.

It’s taken me ages to build confidence with her because she is spooky and when I got her last year I had 2 falls mid canter when she would just stopped dead during hacks, which we’ve worked hard on and she never does anymore.
She does try to nap on hacks, even in company at this new yard which I can control to a degree, I can catch her before she spins & give her a tap to walk on but I’m worried she’s getting worse with separation anxiety or something else!?! and it’s going to get dangerous, if it isn’t already.
It’s one thing to fall off in a school but I’m afraid she will now do it on a hack to head home and my confidence which was high yesterday is buried in the sand today.
I took her straight into the indoor school (took saddle off) and lunged her for ages so she doesn’t think it’s a quick & easy way to get back to the others.
Was this the right thing to do?

I’m getting her saddle and teeth checked again & she’s definitely not lame. She doesn’t have ulcers and her diet contains a balancer etc, hooves are sound.
I just feel like an utter failure.
She’s so sweet in all on things on the ground and has never ever been nasty.
My 7 year old had ridden her in the school & she was perfectly behaved.
I’ve been in the school 6 times over the last 3 months and even jumped her in there. She’s never done this in there before today and it was absolutely awful.

She’s a 16.2 14yo Irish cob.
I am not a nervous rider and have a lot of experiences riding many types and sizes of horses over the years but these things have dented me and as much as I’m not a timid rider, today has made me anxious going forward.
Is she unsafe?
It’s made me think perhaps we are not the pair we should be and maybe we don’t bring out the best in each other which saddens me.

Can anyone please give me any positive suggestions, gentle criticism or kind advice?
I would appreciate it greatly x

 

[Carrottom]

Have you ridden in this arena before when her field mates were turned out next to it?
If not I would suggest doing a few groundwork sessions to get her used to concentrating on you while they are grazing.
The fact that your reins broke is rather scary, I would check your tack carefully.
Hope you're not too bruised. I'm sure others will be along soon with good advice.

 

[Red-1]

The reins breaking was the thing that I found most scary of all, the most dangerous too.

For her being so fixated on the other horses, I would get someone in to help you. I suspect there will be some ground work that she isn't good at, as they can be 'good on the ground' as in easy to live with and 'good on the ground' as in pliable and willing. If you get someone to help, they will be able to examine the problem and keep you safe.

Having help is nothing to be down about, I have help with mine, whereas for years I was the help other people had. Swings and roundabouts, sometimes we all need help.

I hope you are not too sore tomorrow.

 

[MrsHhorses]

Have you ridden in this arena before when her field mates were turned out next to it?
If not I would suggest doing a few groundwork sessions to get her used to concentrating on you while they are grazing.
The fact that your reins broke is rather scary, I would check your tack carefully.
Hope you're not too bruised. I'm sure others will be along soon with good advice.

Yes, I’ve ridden her in there numerous times before with no issues at all.
Which I think is why I fell the first time.
I was absolutely not expecting that response. Note to self, be ready for anything at any time.
Even stranger for it to happen again once I dusted myself off and hopped back on. I thought if she spooked etc then she would settle by the second mount, but I was very wrong!
Sorry, I mistyped-the reins broke during the second bolt not when she took the reins.
Excellent idea, I will take her in and work on ground work until she seems to be paying attention and relaxed.
Thank you for taking the time to post x

 

[Red-1]

Yes, I’ve ridden her in there numerous times before with no issues at all.
Which I think is why I fell the first time.
I was absolutely not expecting that response. Note to self, be ready for anything at any time.
Even stranger for it to happen again once I dusted myself off and hopped back on. I thought if she spooked etc then she would settle by the second mount, but I was very wrong!
Sorry, mistyped-the reins broke during the second bolt not when she took the reins.
Excellent idea, I will take her in and work on ground work until she seems to be paying attention and relaxed.
Thank you for taking the time to post x

I see the reference to broken reins has been removed from the OP, and corrected. So the reins broke when she bolted, before she bucked you off? Or once you were on the floor, as in she trod on the reins?

In answer to your question, if a horse had dumped me twice without explanation, had bucked me off on 'bolting' then no, I would not be inclined to hack the horse out until I'd sorted the problem. As I said in my first reply, I would get some help in-person. They may be able to see the cause of the issue, whereas behind a computer screen, we can't.

 

[MrsHhorses]

The reins breaking was the thing that I found most scary of all, the most dangerous too.

For her being so fixated on the other horses, I would get someone in to help you. I suspect there will be some ground work that she isn't good at, as they can be 'good on the ground' as in easy to live with and 'good on the ground' as in pliable and willing. If you get someone to help, they will be able to examine the problem and keep you safe.

Having help is nothing to be down about, I have help with mine, whereas for years I was the help other people had. Swings and roundabouts, sometimes we all need help.

I hope you are not too sore tomorrow.

Thank you.
I agree, help is definitely needed.

Would I need an instructor or an equine behavioural specialist??
She was in her own paddock with a horse next to her previously and now in a herd.

Sorry, I mistyped. The reins snapped during the 2nd ‘dismount’ at the Buckle not the bit.

Thank you for posting x

 

[Red-1]

Thank you.
I agree, help is definitely needed.

Would I need an instructor or an equine behavioural specialist??
She was in her own paddock with a horse next to her previously and now in a herd.

Sorry, I mistyped. The reins snapped during the 2nd ‘dismount’ at the Buckle not the bit.

Thank you for posting x

I don't know where you are based but a few of us on here are having sterling help from Joe Midgely.

As to the type of help, it is more important to get someone good as opposed to what they market themselves as, so maybe say where roughly you are and someone may have the perfect recommendation.

 

[minesadouble]

Could she be in season?

 

[MrsHhorses]

I see the reference to broken reins has been removed from the OP, and corrected. So the reins broke when she bolted, before she bucked you off? Or once you were on the floor, as in she trod on the reins?

In answer to your question, if a horse had dumped me twice without explanation, had bucked me off on 'bolting' then no, I would not be inclined to hack the horse out until I'd sorted the problem. As I said in my first reply, I would get some help in-person. They may be able to see the cause of the issue, whereas behind a computer screen, we can't.

I removed it because it was confusing & read as if they broke by the bit because of her; which they did not.
They snapped buckle end as I fell.

Agree with you, I won’t be doing anything ridden except ground work without help & full checks

I was just wondering what reasons people may suggest for why she bolted there twice and never before.
Or if anyone had experienced & resolved the same issues plus the loss of confidence I have in her and mainly myself x

 

[Red-1]

I removed it because it was confusing & read as if they broke by the bit because of her; which they did not.
They snapped buckle end as I fell.

Agree with you, I won’t be doing anything ridden except ground work without help & full checks

I was just wondering what reasons people may suggest for why she bolted there twice and never before.
Or if anyone had experienced & resolved the same issues plus the loss of confidence I have in her and mainly myself x

Yes, I think that loss of confidence can be resolved, especially if you had been getting it together, and especially if you get a good person to help you. That said, I also think that sometimes it is better to sell one that does not inspire confidence and buy one that you feel great on. The difficulty is in identifying which route is best to go!

I have sold a couple for no better reason than I didn't feel happy on them. One in particular hadn't put a foot out of line, yet I wasn't comfortable on her. I was relieved when she went (she was here all of 6 days). She was a few weeks on a sales livery being brought up to scratch and competed, then sold. The new owner seemed to love her, hacked, jumped and dressaged her and she went on to event with someone else a couple of years later.

I had other stuff cause a loss of confidence more recently - mum was ill and I was trying to sort it all out. The mare I had did dump me a couple of times, she needed me to be on top form and I wasn't. I was mum's only carer and realised I wasn't having fun. I sold her, again on sales livery, and she was out eventing with her new schoolgirl rider within 6 weeks. I was happy and bought a steady horse to play with whilst I was frazzled with mum. He's still here, he is now the spare!

So, selling isn't always a bad idea, but having help to try to decode what went wrong is what I would do first if you aren't sure.

 

[MrsHhorses]

Yes, I think that loss of confidence can be resolved, especially if you had been getting it together, and especially if you get a good person to help you. That said, I also think that sometimes it is better to sell one that does not inspire confidence and buy one that you feel great on. The difficulty is in identifying which route is best to go!

I have sold a couple for no better reason than I didn't feel happy on them. One in particular hadn't put a foot out of line, yet I wasn't comfortable on her. I was relieved when she went (she was here all of 6 days). She was a few weeks on a sales livery being brought up to scratch and competed, then sold. The new owner seemed to love her, hacked, jumped and dressaged her and she went on to event with someone else a couple of years later.

I had other stuff cause a loss of confidence more recently - mum was ill and I was trying to sort it all out. The mare I had did dump me a couple of times, she needed me to be on top form and I wasn't. I was mum's only carer and realised I wasn't having fun. I sold her, again on sales livery, and she was out eventing with her new schoolgirl rider within 6 weeks. I was happy and bought a steady horse to play with whilst I was frazzled with mum. He's still here, he is now the spare!

So, selling isn't always a bad idea, but having help to try to decode what went wrong is what I would do first if you aren't sure.

Thank you for sharing that.
I’m sorry to hear about your mum.

It’s positive to hear that you had the confidence to sell when it wasn’t the right fit. I feel sometimes people expect you to keep working away at it even when it’s not right.
I think I would like to find another horse but in the meantime I will get decent help.

Thank you again for your suggestions x

 

[Sossigpoker]

It doesn't sound like the horse is focused on you so I doubt just riding instruction will help you. I'd definitely go with someone like Joe Midgeley or Michael Peace - someone who will do the ground work with you to get the horse listening to you , and then transfer that into the saddle
Although I strongly suspect that if you can gain the horse's attention and "respect " (in quotes because often people think you gain respect through violence....) your ridden problems may well disappear.
Essentially , the horse doesn't see you as someone she should pay much regard to - once you get a professional involved who will start to challenge that opinion , I suspect her ridden attitude will also change.

 

[ester]

Could she be in season?

This was my question, mares can be a lot more clingy to companions when in season.

 

[DabDab]

This was my question, mares can be a lot more clingy to companions when in season.

Me too, certainly sounds like season-induced insecurity. Although likely some general insecurity issues/training gaps underneath to get quite that level of reaction

 

[irishdraft]

I think the mare went the second time because she was successful the first. If she has a napping tendency then it's not a surprise she tried to get to the others especially if she's maybe in season. I bought a mare last September & have struggled with her for months with her anxiety/ spooking, not listening issues & have almost given myself ulcers over it all. I think try to get some decent help because at the core of it is the horse isn't focused on you, which is my issue as well, and try not to feel a failure it's a very common problem.

 

[MrsHhorses]

It doesn't sound like the horse is focused on you so I doubt just riding instruction will help you. I'd definitely go with someone like Joe Midgeley or Michael Peace - someone who will do the ground work with you to get the horse listening to you , and then transfer that into the saddle
Although I strongly suspect that if you can gain the horse's attention and "respect " (in quotes because often people think you gain respect through violence....) your ridden problems may well disappear.
Essentially , the horse doesn't see you as someone she should pay much regard to - once you get a professional involved who will start to challenge that opinion , I suspect her ridden attitude will also change.

Wow, thank you for those name suggestions. Michael Peace is an hr away. I wonder if that’s close enough for him to travel. I’m Hampshire based nr Reading.
She’s usually responsive not reactive in the school & good with light leg aids so she does listen, but not today!
I agree if I go back to the foundation’s of groundwork it will cement the respect and trust before getting in the saddle.
Thank you for posting x

 

[Sossigpoker]

Wow, thank you for those name suggestions. Michael Peace is an hr away. I wonder if that’s close enough for him to travel. I’m Hampshire based nr Reading.
She’s usually responsive not reactive in the school & good with light leg aids so she does listen, but not today!
I agree if I go back to the foundation’s of groundwork it will cement the respect and trust before getting in the saddle.
Thank you for posting x

Yes Michael Peace travels all over the country. He's also a fantastic rider and will sort out ridden problems as well as on the ground issues .
He's probably not cheap but the best people rarely are!

 

[SEL]

Michael Peace will travel. I've seen him work and if I hadn't known the horse I'd have wondered what the fuss was about. No drama, just good quiet handling and riding.

 

[Red-1]

I have watched him with 3 horses, two were transformational, the third he was not as successful but was also very personable about that! He certainly won't do any harm as he isn't egotistical. Really has the horse to heart.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

Thank you.
I agree, help is definitely needed.

Would I need an instructor or an equine behavioural specialist??
She was in her own paddock with a horse next to her previously and now in a herd.

Sorry, I mistyped. The reins snapped during the 2nd ‘dismount’ at the Buckle not the bit.

Thank you for posting x

This actually explains alot when a horse is kept on individual turnout then put out in a herd the horse often becomes insecure thinking they will be taken away from the herd again.

 

[J&S]

She was in her own paddock with a horse next to her previously and now in a herd.

I should think that this is having an effect on your mare.

 

[ester]

That’s the scenario that happened with friends horse, moved to group turnout and got very clingy, + season = she exploded at the mounting block (in the school thankfully) and buggered off to the corner closest to the field.
I didn’t get back on (well I’d never actually been ‘on’ in the first place) .

 

[LEC]

I suspect there were a lot
of things that would have been alarm bells to me the first time. Firstly, it doesn’t matter if their field mates were grazing I wouldn’t expect to lose all control in an enclosed environment, let alone twice. I suspect there were warning signs at the mounting block especially the 2nd time but they were missed. It’s very hard to tell without video if there are basic fundamentals missing or if you got into a 13 rabbit situation where the horse became completely overwhelmed.

Personally in your boat I would get a decent but kind rider out and see what their opinion was. At 14 I would have expected the separation anxiety to have been pretty much sorted.