Horses that rush

[EquineGirl00001]

I have a 15hh horse that rushes alot. We'll sometimes be riding out in the evening in the outdoor school at an even trot until we reach the far end by the pond (he's not afraid of that). Then he speeds of and sometimes canters sometimes gallops. I circle him and sure it works but is there anything else that i can do to teach him that it is not okay? Please help!! 😁😁

 

[Pearlsasinger]

You need to pre-empt his rushing. Rather than just trotting round the edge of the school, add in figures, transitions, changes of rein to keep his brain active and listening to you.

 

[scats]

Echo the above. P has a tendency to rush, she winds herself up like a spinning top if we just trot around the school, but if I keep her listening, do lots of circles and shapes and changes of rein, she relaxes and listens.
Another trick is to do a half halt out of every corner, this rebalances them and is a fantastic way to remind them that they must come back to you.

 

[Shay]

There are a lot of reasons for rushing and you need to sort out why he rushes before you can get any sensible advice as to what to do about it.

So this is more questions than answers...

1. Tack / Back / Teeth. Is there any pain anywhere? Does the saddle fit correctly, back free of pain, Hocks / SI ok? Teeth are not hugely likely to be an issue - but it isn't impossible.

2. How long have you had him? Do you have lessons? If not - start there. There is very little substitute for qualified eyes on the ground.

3. Is he balanced? Horses can appear to rush forward because they are on their forehand. It might be a schooling issue, he might be young, or he might be in pain.

4. Temperature. Is this more of a problem when it is cold or as he is beginning work so hasn't warmed up? Might be be a little cold backed? Or stiff? Do you have an exercise sheet on in the cold that he is rushing away from?

5. Rider position. If you tip forward he might rush to balance you - or because he thinks you are asking him forward. Equally true if your lower leg is a bit far back or otherwise unstable.

On reflection - rule out pain first of course. But then lessons with a qualified instructor is probably the best way to go. There is so much which might be a cause - and the solutions so different. You'll get a better result more quickly and more comfortably for both of you if you get help.