horse just bolted 5 miles down the road

[Love]

How terrifying for you digitalangel! Glad you managed to get him in the end, hope you are both ok!

 

[Fools Motto]

I wonder if anyone local to you can come and lend you a hand for a while? They may also be able to help you assess him, and his problems. Not saying you can't, but it is so much nicer, and easier to have a new set of eyes, thoughts and feelings about, a potentially dangerous situation. I feel for you.
I'd keep him in, and work on some basic handling, tying up, pampering. Be normal, don't pussy foot about him. See if anything you do sets him off in any way. Try and keep all gates closed, and leave a leather headcollar on him, with a 'dangly' until you get a partnership. (You can always ''catch'' him by putting on another over the top).
I wish you all the best. PS - any chance of a photo of him? - I'm so nosey!

 

[Templebar]

I have had bolters before - but not like this a true, non-self preservation bolt. years ago i had a horse that would bolt inhand. she would take you on a skiing lesson then just ****** off. But she always had self-preservation about her.

Surprisngly, the horse rides quite well but there are other big gaps in his education which i was prepared for, ie groundwork. the plan before today was not even ride him for a while but work on the groundwork stuff fir a good while first.

i will re-iterate my first post - its not his fault he was clearly terrified.

I would just like to say that i have a horse that can bolt blindly. She did it once with me on the road i was leading her and a car came by way too fast she bolted blindly and galloped right into a 5 bar gate, nose first. However she has not done it again and i now feel we have a better bond and i could help her come out of it. So he may not be like that for life.

I have been thinking since my reply earlier this afternoon and i think can really see why your stuck, i dont know how far your going to get with the breeders and you say your not happy selling him on but in all likelihood if he went back that is all they would do. You bought him as a project horse until other horse is better, can you afford to keep him long term? If you wanted a project horse to make some money from i suggest giving him away to someone who wants him and then look for another or PTS. If you want to still work with him then carry on and sell but state all his concerns outright you may get less for him and may not be able to sell him at all but that way you can still work him, get rid of him when finished you just may need to cut your losses.

 

[Quenotte]

Sorry to hear about your story. But I think you need to think carefully and not to make a hasty decision.
If it was me, I would get a professional opinion, you should get a trainer/horsemanship specialist coming to assess the horse.
I would also consider sending him for schooling/training to a specialist if I didnt have time myself to work on him.
Also try to take some time to bond with him so he will be easier to handle and will get to trust you as his leader.
You should definetely go on to give something to calm him down (food/drugs - to see with your vet).
You should not give up on him so quickly, give him a second chance and some time to settle.
Crossing my fingers for you and hoping for the best.
IF you are thinking of PTS it might be worth contacting a rescue.

 

[sunnyone]

Definitely terrifying for you and the horse. Bolting down a main road is never good for the owner's nerves. However I have a suggestion. Ask the breeder if he had a favourite companion in his old home and, if so, given what's happened, could you borrow it for a week or two?
I once sold a yearling to a friend who had no transport so took her over in my 3 horse lorry. As the space was there we took 2 other horses with her just for the ride. Yearling unloaded well and started to graze. We shut the lorry up, turned round, and no yearling. She was 2 miles up the A27 as she'd jumped four foot into a garden and then run out onto the road. Happily she wore herself out and was good to catch and had seen traffic before. Once back with my friend we unloaded one of her friends and left him with the yearling. They both settled and she barely missed him when we fetched him back as she had new friends by then.
Obviously if the breeder pleads germs ........

 

[Nightmare before Christmas]

I see both sides. Sucks you have a new horse whos playing up but if I sold the horse to you I wouldnt want it back either. Horses are animals and act differently in different places.

 

[MiniMilton]

How terrifying. I personally don't think being green or a lack of handling is a reason for blind bolting in that manner. If a normal horse panics when changing field, you would expect it to try to get in with its new fieldmate, not run away from it. If there is Internet evidence of the breeder mentioning bolting I would get screenshots asap. They may try to delete that, or may have already done so.
Best of luck

 

[Echo Bravo]

Cut your loses and PTS, you have labelled him a bolter so in your mind that is how he will stay.

 

[Shantara]

Hi there!!

I can sympathise, as I have been through pretty much the same thing! (Though I didn't catch up to him so quickly as you! and he was not a new horse)

I moved yards with my Ned, he stayed quite happily for 2 days and on the 3rd...he decided to to leave. He jumped the fence and was gone! Goodness knows what happened from when he left, until I got him back 6 or 7 miles later.

Like your horse, he had been on the same yard since 2008, so quite a while!

We then moved him to a field and hey presto - he did the same thing!! About 4-5 miles this time.

I made sure the gate was 100% Ned proof and stuck him in there. He tried to get out again, but he simply couldn't get out and he finally settled.


No help I'm afraid, but I honestly wish you the very very very VERY best of luck and I hope you feel better soon! *big hugs*

 

[digitalangel]

i would happily give this horse back to the breeder, i mentioned before money is not my priority, the horses safety is. Yup have other people around me who are knowledgable, and im sure they will help. I havent got buckets of money to spend on this horse sadly but i will do my best. Am going to try to give him the benefit of the doubt, try to keep him as safe as i can, but also keep asking for the breeder to take him back because i am suspicious that they knew of his problems. I cant keep him long-term but i will do what i can to make him safe. my biggest concern is that giving him the benefit of the doubt is a huge risk because next time the outcome may not be so lucky for him or for me or for the general public.

 

[Mrs. Jingle]

How terrifying for you and for the poor horse. I bet he could do with a stiff drink tonight too. I am quite suspicious
of the fact that he is a 7 year old gelding and has little done and has remained with the breeders for his whole life? Is it
possible he has been late gelded too, that might add to his present panic and bewilderment in a new home.

But as you said, you did suspect he was a 'project' because of his price and the breeders rather reticent attitude with
the facts and the very unprofessional changing of his price right at the last minute. I think the old boy was chancing his luck once he was certain he had a buyer for a hitherto difficult horse.

You have my utmost sympathy, I really feel you have been had good and proper. But in defence of this poor horse, lets be quite clear here. Returning him to the breeder/dealer in no way ensures he is 'safe' does it? Quite the opposite based on your opinions of the people who sold you the horse. I imagine they will refuse to return your money even if they have the horse back and they could well decide to just send him off to the abattoir, to get rid of the problem he his, once and for all.

If you can hand on heart say that you truly don't believe with time, patience and someone willing to go the extra mile for this gelding will NOT change him in any way, then do him a favour and have him killed tomorrow.

 

[charlie76]

OP, I can see why this frightened you but I wouldnt be so quick to call him a bolter, he got unsettled, made a wrong decision , got caught in a fence and panicked, the more he panicked the more he ran. I wouldn't introduce him over a fence, I personally hate this as you are asking for a front leg to go through, stick him out with his field friends and let hi. Settle, if you think he will be silly either sedate him until he gets used to his new routine or give him plenty of work before turn out.
Even the most sedate horses can do odd things in new situations,we have a cob on our yard, the most laid back animal you could meet, last week a new mare went in with her, she for some reason best known to herself worried over it and attempted to jump a five foot post and rail fence from standstill, she ended up getting wedged on the upright post with all four feet off the ground, needing a vet and the fence cutting down around her, she was in hurt but it proves that they sometimes do silly things and when they feel trapped or chased it can escalate

 

[MadBlackLab]

I'm sorry this has happened to you and I can imagine you very shaken up and you have every right to be. I think you need to take a step back and review the situation again.

First of all you said this horse kicked your dog. You got to remember this is a new horse, he may not been brought up with dogs around and this is something he will get use to in time.

You also said he kicked you. In his defence I doubt he did it on purpose. I do think you should get your knee checked over by a doctor to be in the safe side.

Now regarding your boy you have to see things from his point of view. He has spent first 7 years of his life in the same place, how he was treated I can not say, but from what your explained he sounds like he is terrified and maybe because of this, this is why he is so green and unhandled. Lack of confidence and experience on the breeders behalf IMHO.

From what you explained happened today, seeing from the horses point of view. He comes to new home, finds a new buddy and field and suddenly this moves. He didn't understand you were going to introduce him to more new friends. He just panicked and bolted. Remember horses are flight animals.

I believe with lots of time and lots patient he could be a lovely horse. Please re think your decision. There are lots of people on here that can offer lots of advice.

 

[digitalangel]

Just to clarify - i think when i wrote my original post i was very shocked and upset. I was looking ofr a recourse to have him sent back as i am still doubtful if i have the facilities and time to deal with this. Having had a cup of tea, and putmy leg up ( knee is now a lovely shade of purple ) im now thinking i will try with him as much as i can. Ive spent a little time with him this evening, hes very shocked in himself and quite withdrawn, but ive done back to treating him as completely unhandled, so all i did tonight was run my hands over his head and neck until he accepted that, and checked his legs for any sign of damage. Im going to do what i can to avoid PTS.

 

[spotty_pony]

That must have been so scary! Hope your knee is better soon. Did you get him vetted (sorry if this has already been asked!) and could you consider getting bloods done in case there is still traces of them using a sedative or something when you bought him?

 

[kerrieberry2]

I have read all the posts but I'm sorry that is not the sort of thing I'd expect from any horse that's right in the head! what a load of twoddle from the breeder, they clearly know he has issues, which is why they wont have him back!!

I have no advice but I just wanted to say I hope your knee is okay and hope you can get something sorted!!

 

[thatsmygirl]

I can't believe the amount of people here saying send him home, its been 1 day!!

Op out of interest how far away did u buy him? Only asking as years ago a new horse I had chucked me off and ran back to her old home all 9 miles off it and put herself back in her stable. I won't say bolt as she was in a new home, scared and upset and seeked comfort which was her old home. Could he of been trying this?

 

[windand rain]

Good for you OP the only reason I would have sent him back tomorrow is because the longer you keep him the less likely you can legally send him home. I would have taken him straight back I am afraid but once I had lept him for a little while I would have accepted responsibility for him and done my best. Had he been a week or month in his new home I would feel less inclined to send him home.
Well done on accepting his limitations I hope your leg is not too sore and heals well Good on you for giving him a chance

 

[MadBlackLab]

Just to clarify - i think when i wrote my original post i was very shocked and upset. I was looking ofr a recourse to have him sent back as i am still doubtful if i have the facilities and time to deal with this. Having had a cup of tea, and putmy leg up ( knee is now a lovely shade of purple ) im now thinking i will try with him as much as i can. Ive spent a little time with him this evening, hes very shocked in himself and quite withdrawn, but ive done back to treating him as completely unhandled, so all i did tonight was run my hands over his head and neck until he accepted that, and checked his legs for any sign of damage. Im going to do what i can to avoid PTS.

Glad to see this. Just take it a step at a time.

One way to get him used to being touched and handled is to get an old broom handle using a stuff rubber glove attached at end of broom handle you can stroke him using this dummy hand so he can get use to being touched. Once he has accepted this you can use your own hand and if need be use a long rope so you can hold him too.

We here to offer any advice you require

 

[Pidgeon]

Didn't want to read and run OP. Scary day hope your knee and dog are ok?
Re the horse, difficult as it is give him another chance, as you say he is shocked at himself and withdrawn so perhaps it was just a new place etc, who knows. Would a true bolter who has done it before be like that? I don't know. I've only ever experienced one bolt and that was when I was on 17.2hh going head on for a car! Scared the living daylights out of me if I'm honest. However found the cause of the bolting incident, root tooth infection.
I really do feel for you as my gut instinct as I imagine yours is is that the dealer knew damn well what he was like. However glad to see you are prepared to give him a chance, I really do hope it all turns out well for both of you.

 

[MiniMilton]

I have read all the posts but I'm sorry that is not the sort of thing I'd expect from any horse that's right in the head! what a load of twoddle from the breeder, they clearly know he has issues, which is why they wont have him back!!

Absolutely agree

 

[digitalangel]

hard to say.. like i said he was heading straight into cars it was the cars that were swerving. he also didnt slow down when he saw traffic going past on the A road. he just ran straight towards it. no self-preservation at all. Im going to try and give him the benefit of the doubt... but honestly, i am not that hopeful. going to take him back to very very baby basics not rush him not try to ride him just baby basics.

 

[Saneta]

What a dreadful experience for both you and the horse. I can remember when looking for my first horse, I was warned that sometimes people "drug" their horses, so that they can appear lovely and calm when you go to visit and test ride. I was appalled that anyone could behave so dishonestly...25 years later, very little shocks me I'm sad to say.
Your poor horse has had a terrifying experience too, and it seems to me that perhaps you could spend some 'bonding' time together. Could you perhaps do some Ttouch? Gentle grooming, exploring what you can do to make him relax. Don't even think about riding him yet, don't put pressure on him or you. I really, really hope he will start to enjoy being owned and loved by you, and he can forget the horrors he has endured to date. I realise I'm making some huge assumptions here, but you do sound a sensible and caring person, so if anyone can turn him around, you probably can!
If you don't see any change, even the slightest after a few months, then seek professional advice and if nothing or no-one can make a difference, then PTS, no point in adding to his misery being passed around. At least you will have tried...
Arnica for you and your dog!!

 

[digitalangel]

I am now wondering wether he was drugged but i dont think so, but i cant be sure. who knows. he wasnt that calm when i was there but wasnt exhibiting fearful behavior either. Since having him home hes turned his bum to me a few times, kicked the dog and raised his leg to me once or twice. i put all of this down to being in a new home/new situation and wasnt worried about it. just thought i would work more on handling on the ground. i didnt expect him to be OK when he got here, i expected problems hence him being a project - but i didnt not expect him to go through 5 sets of fencing either.

 

[digitalangel]

I will do my utmost best to give him every chance. He deserves that. And having thought about it im pretty sure the breeder knew of this issue - and i should have picked up on it.. the fb post.. the fact they wouldnt let me hack him out and he was always in a stable when i went to see him. Maybe its better he doesnt go back there, but it was my first thought of where he would be safe and secure.

 

[meesha]

Just to put the thought out there, is he 7? Not that this makes a difference if he is a true bolter but worth a thought, may well have been kept with same horses (ie his mum) for all of life in same field. My 3 year old jumped a five bar gate after I took my mare out for the first time after he arrived, even though his other field companion was still in field, he has also bolted once but it was panic and not a blind bolt although this wasn't much comfort at the time, galloping down the road and having to throw myself off after having lost stirrups etc after he spooked and fell. He has never done either of these things again.

 

[MadBlackLab]

Just to put the thought out there, is he 7?

This is very good point. Is there any possibility he isn't 7 but younger?

 

[digitalangel]

As far as i know, they seperated mares and geldings. and they have sold a few already, so no idea how he reacted them then if a buddy was sold. i was simply told he was good in the field. good out with others etc. He also went down when bolting and also slippedon the road a few times hes likely to be sore/sore tomorrow but not accepting any hard feed, feed from my hand, and even tasty mollasses didnt interest him. Hes tucking into hay though.

 

[digitalangel]

i think he is 7 but hes not chipped so cant be sure. cant be sure of anything now hes not good at letting me look in his mouth and i didnt want to stress him out. i dont think hes teeth have ever been done thought. Passport says 7.

 

[Goldenstar]

Just keep him very calm and level and establish roultine that does not change .
Try and team up with your most level headed horse and put them out in a small paddock while you are there .
Just give him hay .
Establish handling time daily and do it at the same time .
Get his eyesight checked pronto .
I have know one horse whose bizarre behaviour was caused by a floating cataract .
Be careful hope your feeling better tonight .