how do you handle bolting?

[storm123]

my horse is known to bolt, not usually on hacks, but in fields, i was hacking him today with a friend, and a usually have a full cheek on him, but swapped it to a thinner bit while having a schooling lesson, i forgot to change it(he used to be ridden in a gag) and went for a hack, he was insane, 8 mins in, he was gallopping off with me going crazy, when we got to the roads, i'd never seen such a active walk! then we got to a farm type place wear there was a big road, cars dont go on there, but it was solid concrete, he diceded to bolt down the road, i had no control whats so ever! it went on for 8 minutes! intill i rambed him into a building, it was horrible, i had blisters all over my hands, but i was worrided about his feet most of all! it was really dangerous. and when i go out hacking next i will use the full cheek, if hes no better, i will use the gag, hes got a martingal, but whiles he bolts he sometimes pokes his tounge over the bit, leaving me helpless. what can i do?
hs not usually as naughty as this, he was proberly taking the mick because of his bit,
what do you do when your horse bolts?
thanks

 

[TickyTavey]

I would not put myself (or other road users) in that position again. An 8min bolt down a metal, public road is insane.

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

There's a huge difference between a horse bolting and one running away with you. In a true bolt the horse will take off and run blind with terror, often running straight into brick walls or trees without even seeing them. You cannot stop a true bolt until the horse is either exhausted or kills itself. A horse running away with you is where the horse takes over and decides to run away because of something wrong on the ride. The "something wrong" is usually pain, whether from badly fitted tack, poor riding or a health problem such as kissing spines etc. It sounds to me as if your horse is running away with you and it's down to you to work out where he hurts! The more you strap him down with harsher and harsher tack, the worse he will get. You need to get back and tack checked by professionals then book yourself a couple of lessons to make sure it's not you that's the problem. Then back to basics, and be brave and put him in the gentlest bit possible and use position, voice and the lightest of hands to control and direct him.

 

[igglepop]

Get everything checked, then find a teacher who is willing to practice with you in a field so its more controlled environment. Without a pair of eyes on the ground its hard to see a cause its also allot easier to stay calm when somebody is there giving advice. But as other have said would not go onto a road or anywhere where you would be in danger until you are confident you have he problem sorted.

 

[Marydoll]

You should not be taking this horse out on the roads as you have no control. Youre a hazard and a danger to yourself and others.
As others have said, a true bolt is uncontrollable and runs its course until the horse is exausted, attempts to turn sharply etc usually end with you both on the floor.
Please get your horse checked by your vet, teeth, back etc and also get your tack checked,if theyre all ok find a good instructor as it sounds like you need help with your horse

 

[Pale Rider]

I have a horse that used to bolt. She would bolt in the field without being ridden.
What others have said is true nothing would stop her. She would go through dry stone walls, fences she even turned a five bar gate into matchwood.

I now ride her in a rope headcollar and trust her implicitly.

There was nothing physically wrong with her or her tack.

Lots of groundwork, teach her to bend to a stop.

As you discovered, bits don't work on a bolter, so you may as well not have one.

Martingales are also a waste of time. You cannot confine her with tack. She needs confidence building, if there is nothing physically wrong.

Sorry, I meant he.

 

[Buds_mum]

If I am simply ran away with then you should be able to turn, like you say full cheek bit is best, just turn him in big circles but concentrate on making it smaller and smaller as his speed decreases.
Either way personally I would stay off the roads, get a full mot, saddle, back, teeth etc. And concentrate ok general schooling, a well schooled horse transfers to a hack imo and really helps control

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

I agree totally with what "Box of Frogs" has said above.

Think you need to get a professional/expert on the case really; it sounds very much as if there's a pain issue somewhere and to continue to ride him on the road is just an accident waiting to happen TBH - you're very lucky that nothing happened when you were riding him.

Personally I would suggest an "expert" in a discipline such as Intelligent Horsemanship or the Michael Peace method; as what would be the worst thing to do would be to just chuck something strong in his mouth and/or tie his head down. With Intelligent Horsemanship, you can go onto their website and get the names of local practitioners. Personally I'd avoid Parelli - at the risk of starting off yet another "Parelli" debate on here!!

Your horse needs to understand that you are the herd leader and make the decisions about where he goes, when he goes, and at what speed he goes - and there's obviously been a problem here. Pain is a huge issue and something which will make animals in general and horses in particular do all sorts of wacky things.

So I'd be firstly getting everything checked: i.e. back, teeth (v. important - sorry forgot how old you said yours is???), saddle. Plus get your expert to advise you on bitting.

 

[annaellie]

Firstly I agree with others about having everything checked, once that has been done then schooling in an enclosed area only going on the road is foolish and dangerous while you have no control.
My first pony was am not quite sure a true bolter but very close to one. He was very nappy and I was very inexperienced, I was riding in the school which had post and rail fencing the bottom rail had fell down on one part. He seen it and ran off through the fence, the top rail knocked me clean off
There was also a show on the yard so entered it he ran off from top of field back to yard and it didn't matter what was in his way.
The final straw came when he appeared to have settled and gone a few months with no napping I took him on a hack, the fields I hacked on were next to a road but had 8ft hedges all the way around so no access to roads or having to go on them. He again ran off there was a tiny gap in the hedge and through he went right into the road narrowly missing an oncoming bus
My YO found somewhere for him but if I would have had that pony when me or my mum were more experamced he would not have gone to anyone else I would have PTS.

 

[annaellie]

ETA there supposed to be frowns not smilys

 

[AmyMay]

what do you do when your horse bolts?

Thankfully I've never had a bolter, but I'm afraid if I did it would either become a field ornament or get the bullet.

 

[budley95]

Sounds quite similar to what my boy used to do! I found in a thin bit he was a pain like yours, but I put him in a cherry roller and a flash noseband, he stopped getting his tongue over the bit then! Helped quite a lot as he seems to play with the rollers as well so he chilled out loads! Must admit I don't take him on roads unless I have to though so can't say a lot about that! Good luck!

 

[L&M]

A few years ago I bought a beautiful Show Cob to compete in the summer and hunt in the winter. However after the third time of having to bail out on a hack, decided to sell.

He had all the normal physical checks and was fine - he just couldn't deal with open spaces. He would go from a relaxed loose rein walk to flat out bolt with no warning, and it didn't matter if he had company or not, what bit he had in etc etc.

I advertised him totally honestly and sold him to a lady that only wanted to ride in a school where he was always perfectly well behaved. She does dressage and showing and even got him to Hoys last yr.

Please get professional help and don't hack him out - sounds like an accident waiting to happen.

 

[Shysmum]

Get professional help, a full vet check up, dentist out, and don't hack out until you have the problem under control. Stay off the roads, or hacking near them !

 

[AengusOg]

Lots of groundwork, teach her to bend to a stop.

This is the way forward for you.

At the moment, your horse is exhibiting extreme resistance, and so are you. So the whole thing becomes a test of strength. The horse has learned to run through pain and discomfort, as this was the only way he could find relief of sorts from the constraints of the bit and tack you have on him.

You need to study groundwork training techniques, and teach your horse to yield to gentle pressure. You should aim for a point where the horse is quietly compliant, yielding willingly, and able to respond to subtle cues from you. He needs to learn to stand quietly in-hand, move around in various directions when cued to do so, without offering resistance.

That means that you have to look at him in a different light. He is not happy where he is, and you have to bring him to another place where he feels safe. You have to learn to use your hands to guide and encourage him, rather than to tie him down, and you need to see him as a horse who is compelled to behave badly, and is in need of help, and not a horse which is causing problems.

Once he knows the principle of yielding to pressure, you can teach him to yield his head round, little bits at a time, till he can put his muzzle to the girth; and that is the basis for the so-called 'one rein stop'.

A horse which will allow its head to be brought round, to a subtle signal on the rein, without resistance, is a safe horse under saddle. The disengagement of the hindquarters is the key to this method of dissuading a horse from running off. When the hindquarters are disengaged, all the power is reduced, the horse's head is already under control, and there is no chance of the horse getting away in a straight line.

It's not hauling on the horse's mouth, or suddenly whipping is head round at the gallop. It doesn't involve pain or aggressive restraint. It's a lesson in softening and yielding.

I wouldn't ride him again until I'd taught him that.

 

[LaurenBay]

There's a huge difference between a horse bolting and one running away with you. In a true bolt the horse will take off and run blind with terror, often running straight into brick walls or trees without even seeing them. You cannot stop a true bolt until the horse is either exhausted or kills itself. A horse running away with you is where the horse takes over and decides to run away because of something wrong on the ride. The "something wrong" is usually pain, whether from badly fitted tack, poor riding or a health problem such as kissing spines etc. It sounds to me as if your horse is running away with you and it's down to you to work out where he hurts! The more you strap him down with harsher and harsher tack, the worse he will get. You need to get back and tack checked by professionals then book yourself a couple of lessons to make sure it's not you that's the problem. Then back to basics, and be brave and put him in the gentlest bit possible and use position, voice and the lightest of hands to control and direct him.

This 100%

There is a huge huge difference between a Horse tanking and a Horse bolting.

I have been bolted with once and it left me with no confidence at all, It has taken me 2 years to be able to walk on grass and feel confident.I have always said the moment my Horse tanks or bolts, is the day she goes up for sale! I just wouldn't be able to bring myself to ride her again. I would go back to basics with schooling. If he does it again I would get all the checks done.

 

[Natz88]

My haffy was a known bolter & it isn't nice at all, he has even bolted with my sharer. He would either bolt when something spooked him or if I was cantering in a field he would get faster & stronger, I ended up having to run him into hedges. The last straw was when me & a friend was cantering round a field & all of a sudden he just took hold across this stubble field straight out onto a road , so I now exactly how it feels. He had everything checked & was fine, so I decided to do some digging into his past & managed to get hold of the first owner on his passport, she was a dealer & she said to me I sent him to the market as he was dangerous (people I bought him off was who bought him from market & didn't have him long)

I tried many bits, but now have him in a gag with a flash & he is like a different pony. If something spooks him he jut panics a little on the spot rather than trying to take hold. I have had him nearly 7yrs & would'nt change him for the world, he has a lot of trust in me now & it's a nice feeling that I am he only person not to give up on him.

I no it's hard, but you will get there. I wanted to give up many of times & had many tears over the years thinking I couldn't do it any longer. As ohers have said just get all the checks done just to rule out anything. Has anyone else tried hacking your horse out someone you trust as the fact he as bolted with you maybe you are tensing as soon as you get on (which is understandable) & he just senses your fear which is unsettling him, asothers have said also don't hack until your happy your in control & maybe look into some lessons etc. I do hope you get it sorted

 

[Emma86]

Thankfully I've never had a bolter, but I'm afraid if I did it would either become a field ornament or get the bullet.

My last share horse was a true bolter, by this I mean running in blind panic and not stopping until he fell. Unfortunatley by the time I had realised this we were both on the floor. I dread to think what could have happened and we were both very lucky not to be injured further. I terminated the share. I will not put my life in danger for something I am meant to get enjoyment out of.

 

[Mince Pie]

my horse is known to bolt, not usually on hacks, but in fields, i was hacking him today with a friend, and a usually have a full cheek on him, but swapped it to a thinner bit while having a schooling lesson, i forgot to change it(he used to be ridden in a gag) and went for a hack, he was insane, 8 mins in, he was gallopping off with me going crazy, when we got to the roads, i'd never seen such a active walk! then we got to a farm type place wear there was a big road, cars dont go on there, but it was solid concrete, he diceded to bolt down the road, i had no control whats so ever! it went on for 8 minutes! intill i rambed him into a building, it was horrible, i had blisters all over my hands, but i was worrided about his feet most of all! it was really dangerous. and when i go out hacking next i will use the full cheek, if hes no better, i will use the gag, hes got a martingal, but whiles he bolts he sometimes pokes his tounge over the bit, leaving me helpless. what can i do?
hs not usually as naughty as this, he was proberly taking the mick because of his bit,
what do you do when your horse bolts?
thanks

I would not put myself (or other road users) in that position again. An 8min bolt down a metal, public road is insane.

You should not be taking this horse out on the roads as you have no control. Youre a hazard and a danger to yourself and others.

going on the road is foolish and dangerous while you have no control.

I think some of you should read the OP a little more carefully before calling the OP (who sounds like a youngster from the spelling) foolish/dangerous/hazardous etc

I don't think the horse is bolting OP, he is taking the piss out of you. How long have you had him? What is your routine with him? How often do you hack him out? Is he fine in his normal bit? What kind of horse is he?

 

[annaellie]

BBH the OP states herself it was dangerous, cars may not go down it but she said it was a farm type place therefore the possibility for farm vehicles may apply as well as walkers.
I personally would rather have someone tell me what a risk I would be taking if I done it again than say nothing.
Also the risk to her horse and herself of a horse running away on a road surface.

 

[annaellie]

ETA am sure the OP knows that it is a problem or they wouldn't have posted. Good luck Op keep us updated

 

[Rose Folly]

Pale Rider and Box_of_Frogs have it right.
It's no use just putting a severe bit in and hoping that will work.
It's really all about confidence in both horse and rider, but particularly, (sadly) in the rider, and not easy to achieve.
We were a horsy, hunting family, and when I was 13 my father bought me a smashing looking cob - sharp old-fashioned type with loads of potential.
He was fine walking or trotting, but the moment he went into higher gear you were off and away! I had the most terrifying few days hunting on him, when he was absolutely unstoppable. In the end my father got me a quieter horse (he just reared!) and took on the cob himself.
He hunted it for 10 seasons, in a double bridle the reins of which he NEVER picked up off the cob's neck. My father did everything with his seat and voice, and I can still remember my rage at hearing "whoa-ho, my little man" and 'the little man' coming back to him immediately. He never took off with my father, though he did with me, various girl grooms, and my boy-friend!
It was a salutary lesson. I never had compolete confidence on the cob after my initial hunting experiences, but ridden like that, (as in Pale Rider and the rope headcollar) the running away stopped.
I think you need to get good advice, and, if you can find an instructor, experienced and wise rider to do it, hack out with you riding something else, sos that you can see how they cope with your horse. Good luck.

 

[lastchancer]

my horse is known to bolt, not usually on hacks, but in fields, i was hacking him today with a friend, and a usually have a full cheek on him, but swapped it to a thinner bit while having a schooling lesson, i forgot to change it(he used to be ridden in a gag) and went for a hack, he was insane, 8 mins in, he was gallopping off with me going crazy, when we got to the roads, i'd never seen such a active walk! then we got to a farm type place wear there was a big road, cars dont go on there, but it was solid concrete, he diceded to bolt down the road, i had no control whats so ever! it went on for 8 minutes! intill i rambed him into a building, it was horrible, i had blisters all over my hands, but i was worrided about his feet most of all! it was really dangerous. and when i go out hacking next i will use the full cheek, if hes no better, i will use the gag, hes got a martingal, but whiles he bolts he sometimes pokes his tounge over the bit, leaving me helpless. what can i do?
hs not usually as naughty as this, he was proberly taking the mick because of his bit,
what do you do when your horse bolts?
thanks

Would he accept a pelham with two sets of reins? Not ideal and he'll still need better schooling, but it might make him respectful enough to ride out safely. He don't sound like a bolter, but for whatever reason he isn't taking notice of the bit, the curb might work better.

Before everyone jumps up and down about using a stronger bit, I am sure its kinder to do this than have a dangerous tug of war with a snaffle. Do be careful if he hasn't worn a curb before as they are very severe - and be sure to use the snaffle rein first, just use the curb when necessary.
This is assuming of course that the horses back and teeth are ok.

 

[LaurenBay]

My haffy was a known bolter & it isn't nice at all, he has even bolted with my sharer. He would either bolt when something spooked him or if I was cantering in a field he would get faster & stronger, I ended up having to run him into hedges. The last straw was when me & a friend was cantering round a field & all of a sudden he just took hold across this stubble field straight out onto a road , so I now exactly how it feels. He had everything checked & was fine, so I decided to do some digging into his past & managed to get hold of the first owner on his passport, she was a dealer & she said to me I sent him to the market as he was dangerous (people I bought him off was who bought him from market & didn't have him long)

I tried many bits, but now have him in a gag with a flash & he is like a different pony. If something spooks him he jut panics a little on the spot rather than trying to take hold. I have had him nearly 7yrs & would'nt change him for the world, he has a lot of trust in me now & it's a nice feeling that I am he only person not to give up on him.

I no it's hard, but you will get there. I wanted to give up many of times & had many tears over the years thinking I couldn't do it any longer. As ohers have said just get all the checks done just to rule out anything. Has anyone else tried hacking your horse out someone you trust as the fact he as bolted with you maybe you are tensing as soon as you get on (which is understandable) & he just senses your fear which is unsettling him, asothers have said also don't hack until your happy your in control & maybe look into some lessons etc. I do hope you get it sorted

This is not a bolter. This is a Horse tanking with the rider. There is a huge difference between the 2. If a Horse bolts and by bolt I mean run in blind panic, it does not matter which bit a Horse has. Knowone will stop it.

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

Agree a bolter you either have to ride out or bale out and Id choose baling!!!

I wouldnt have a true bolter it would get the bullet im afraid.

OP your horse is basically tanking off with you. My mare would do this on occasion, mostly in fast company, I upped her bit as other than her being fiercely competitive there was nothing physically wrong with her.

I would stay off the roads though until you have this under control as if you crash into a car out of control and kill people you can be liable and also you would have that on your conscience for the rest of your life.

If you cannot handle the horse then i would suggest getting help or getting rid. That is not a dig but getting hurt/hurting others is NOT why we are into horses

 

[MagicMelon]

I would not put myself (or other road users) in that position again. An 8min bolt down a metal, public road is insane.

I agree. Did he really bolt for 8 minutes?! Thats a seriously long time (and it must have been a very long road if you were going full pelt as bolting is!).

I've had a horse who bolted twice with me on a hack in the first few months I had him, first time he took me down a track and straight through a barbed wire fence which wrapped round him so he then bronc'd like hell until I managed to jump off. Second time, he span and I fell off, he galloped off down the road all the way home along a tarmac public road, about 1/2 mile. By pure luck no cars came. That was the last day I ever hacked him! Way too dangerous. I just schooled him from then on. I didnt really find it a problem as I like to compete, Im not a happy hacker so to speak therefore its not a big deal to me not to do it.

 

[Footlights]

Hope you're not too shaken up OP, being tanked off with isn't an enjoyable experience.

8 minutes is a seriously long time - at a gallop the horse would have covered well over 3 miles!?

 

[Umbongo]

I would not be riding this horse out again and would get a full MOT. As others have said, this doesn't sound like a true bolter, it sounds like he was running away with you. 8 minutes is a very long time to be bolting? And I would have thought the road would have had to have been very long! If he is a true bolter then strapping him down with various bits and martingales isn't going tow work, you need to get to the route of the problem.. I have only known one true bolter and they were pts after bolting and hitting a tree. It wasn't until afterwards that we discovered she had a brain tumour which could have caused her behaviour.

If you continue to ride out a bolter then not only are you putting yourself and the horse at risk, but you could also be putting others at risk eg. dog walkers, drivers, children etc.

 

[monkeybum13]

New user, poor spelling and summer holidays

 

[all about Romeo]

I had a mare who tried taking off with me up a road once when I was a child, Luckily I was riding her bare back with a bridle on so I managed to slip off and dig my heels in the ground and give her a sharp tug on the reins which stopped her in her tracks as she did not know what had hit her! I later found out that she was dangerous to ride! but she never did try to take off with me again