Not like it used to be..

[ruby92]

Feeling down and upset tonight I just don't know what to do i bought a horse after years of not owning my own hes an exracehorse absolutely lovely complete gent however now and again when riding he gets strong and crosses his jaw and tries to take off I unfortunately have lupus so causes joint pain so when he does this i struggle to hold him ? I don't want to sell him but I'm struggling which then is knocking my confidence

 

[BSL2]

Try not to be too upset, life is never perfect when horses are involved, even if it looks like it is for others?. How long have you had him? Have you got any good proffesionals working with you. Ie Dentist for teeth checks, physio for full body check, and saddler and someone who can advise re bitting. Get all the basics checked. Make sure his diet is correct, (non heating, lots of fibre). Then find a good sympathetic instructor. It's amazing if the foundations are all in place, how much a good instructor can build confidence for both of you. X

 

[ruby92]

Try not to be too upset, life is never perfect when horses are involved, even if it looks like it is for others?. How long have you had him? Have you got any good proffesionals working with you. Ie Dentist for teeth checks, physio for full body check, and saddler and someone who can advise re bitting. Get all the basics checked. Make sure his diet is correct, (non heating, lots of fibre). Then find a good sympathetic instructor. It's amazing if the foundations are all in place, how much a good instructor can build confidence for both of you. X

Thank you for replying I've had him 8 months now up to date with his teeth etc im going to get my instructor to come help as I think il feel better someone professional on the ground too.. his diet is non heating x

 

[BSL2]

Thank you for replying I've had him 8 months now up to date with his teeth etc im going to get my instructor to come help as I think il feel better someone professional on the ground too.. his diet is non heating x

Give yourself a chance. 8 months isn't that long. Don't forget, going into autumn/winter horsey attitudes change a bit from what they were during the hot sunny days of summer. I always say a year, go through all seasons, to know a horse. Really hope your instructor can help you. Stay safe and try to enjoy. X

 

[Peglo]

I agree with above ?

if it helps my ex racer almost threw us both over a cliff because I wouldn’t let her canter, tried to kick a tractor because it went past us 3 times (THE AUDACITY!) and took off with me and I couldn’t stop her and ended up having to jump a fence or go threw it. Luckily she cleared it and I stayed on but I was so angry I had to tie her up and walk away from her for a bit.
I put a running martingale on her after that and she didn’t get away from me again. Shes retired now and gives great cuddles and everything’s forgiven

 

[ruby92]

I agree with above ?

if it helps my ex racer almost threw us both over a cliff because I wouldn’t let her canter, tried to kick a tractor because it went past us 3 times (THE AUDACITY!) and took off with me and I couldn’t stop her and ended up having to jump a fence or go threw it. Luckily she cleared it and I stayed on but I was so angry I had to tie her up and walk away from her for a bit.
I put a running martingale on her after that and she didn’t get away from me again. Shes retired now and gives great cuddles and everything’s forgiven

Oh gosh haha! Yeah mine tries to take off I think he knows I'm not strong anymore to hold him if he does but he always gives me that sorry mum face after I've got off lol

 

[Peglo]

Oh gosh haha! Yeah mine tries to take off I think he knows I'm not strong anymore to hold him if he does but he always gives me that sorry mum face after I've got off lol

an instructor will help you with the signs so you can stop him before he takes off. It’s easier if you can stop him taking off than trying to stop him once he’s galloping.
If you don’t feel comfortable then just avoid the situations when he takes off until you feel more confident. Keep it fun for a while ?

 

[White Horse2]

What about something like this https://www.alice-reins.co.uk/about-alice-reins/

 

[Sally_mads]

I was in a very similar position as you! About 6 months ago I found this lovely ex-race horse that I absolutely fell in love with and clicked with instantly. He's only 7 and had been off the track for 1.5 yr and was in training with a pro. Anyways long story short we discovered he had a bolting problem and would take off after fences and even at the start in canter transitions. I had to retrain him to trot x rails and all that but it was just super inconsistent and the bolt never really went away even when I thought it did and at a show he ended up taking off with me and I ended up on the ground with a torn ACL. I still absolutely ADORE this horse and he will always always be my heart horse but I decided to put him in training with a local high level pro so he can take time to re-learn to basics and hopefully, eventually stop bolting haha. Obviously I don't know the full picture of what's happening with your horse but maybe get the horse in training with someone who you trust and can maybe eventually teach you and the horse? That's just the road I've decided to take since I also don't want to sell my horse and am hopeful that one day I can ride him but either way it's not worth the risk of you getting hurt! Hopefully that was somewhat helpful and I'm sorry that's happening Good luck !!

 

[ruby92]

What about something like this https://www.alice-reins.co.uk/about-alice-reins/

These look good worth a try! Thank you

 

[ruby92]

I was in a very similar position as you! About 6 months ago I found this lovely ex-race horse that I absolutely fell in love with and clicked with instantly. He's only 7 and had been off the track for 1.5 yr and was in training with a pro. Anyways long story short we discovered he had a bolting problem and would take off after fences and even at the start in canter transitions. I had to retrain him to trot x rails and all that but it was just super inconsistent and the bolt never really went away even when I thought it did and at a show he ended up taking off with me and I ended up on the ground with a torn ACL. I still absolutely ADORE this horse and he will always always be my heart horse but I decided to put him in training with a local high level pro so he can take time to re-learn to basics and hopefully, eventually stop bolting haha. Obviously I don't know the full picture of what's happening with your horse but maybe get the horse in training with someone who you trust and can maybe eventually teach you and the horse? That's just the road I've decided to take since I also don't want to sell my horse and am hopeful that one day I can ride him but either way it's not worth the risk of you getting hurt! Hopefully that was somewhat helpful and I'm sorry that's happening Good luck !!

Oh my sorry to hear that thank you for replying . Sending him to a pro was my next thought if all else fails

 

[Carrottom]

If he is crossing his jaw a well fitted grakle noseband may help.

 

[Trouper]

@Elf On A Shelf may be able to help you with some tips on how to deal with this.

 

[Palindrome]

what bit do you ride in? If a simple snaffle, getting your hands closer together will make the bit stronger.
You could look for a western riding trainer, they ride with minimal contact, or a para dressage trainer. With the right tack and consistent training I think it could be overcome.

 

[SantaVera]

have you considered riding him in a hackamore?

 

[ycbm]

I would think about getting someone else to try him in a gag/long shank bit which would give you more leverage to compensate for the lack of strength in your hands. They aren't severe bits, you only need to use as much pressure as it takes for him to respect you.
.

 

[ruby92]

what bit do you ride in? If a simple snaffle, getting your hands closer together will make the bit stronger.
You could look for a western riding trainer, they ride with minimal contact, or a para dressage trainer. With the right tack and consistent training I think it could be overcome.

Thanks for your reply.
Hes In a snaffle, I'm hoping so , I'm going to get in touch with a instructor tomorrow

 

[ester]

If he's in a snaffle now you have plenty of options before thinking of selling

 

[Parrotperson]

I'd be properly checking his teeth. I know you say he's had the dentist but when? Its too easy (I've done it!) to say "oh well he's had his teeth done it cant be that" then find they have a bad tooth or sharp edges.

Maybe get a really good equine vet to come and have a look.

Having said all that with racehorses they ofttimes think a stronger hold from the rider means go faster........professional training may well help. Don't despair. he doesn't sound nasty!

 

[seamoth]

Know that this method can work but you may not be up for it. Find somewhere that you can gallop for endlessly, beach, moor circular gallops and let him go but when hes ready to stop don't let him, keep pushing him on and on. May have to do this a couple of times but he should get the message its no longer much fun. Just an alternative suggestion.

 

[SEL]

I popped a Waterford in one that kept trying to take off with me - she couldn't lean on it so actually started to listen.

 

[Mrs. Jingle]

Know that this method can work but you may not be up for it. Find somewhere that you can gallop for endlessly, beach, moor circular gallops and let him go but when hes ready to stop don't let him, keep pushing him on and on. May have to do this a couple of times but he should get the message its no longer much fun. Just an alternative suggestion.

We often used this method back in the day for determined runners, not true bolters that's a different thing altogether! I have to say as far as I remember it always worked well, the more intelligent ones copped on very quickly. Some of the not so bright ones took a few goes to get the message!?

Funny I've not heard that suggested for many years now, maybe it's not considered 'correct' now? No idea but very curious to know how many do still use it, and those who don't, why not?

 

[BSL2]

We often used this method back in the day for determined runners, not true bolters that's a different thing altogether! I have to say as far as I remember it always worked well, the more intelligent ones copped on very quickly. Some of the not so bright ones took a few goes to get the message!?

Funny I've not heard that suggested for many years now, maybe it's not considered 'correct' now? No idea but very curious to know how many do still use it, and those who don't, why not?

Omg, not heard this for years. Did this with my first pony, when I was very brave and we had the countryside to do it in. "You want to go, go on then". After a few times, ending in him been shattered, he never did try to run off again. Not promoting it for anyone else as so many variants to be considered, but brought back some happy/scarey moments. X

 

[Mrs. Jingle]

. Not promoting it for anyone else as so many variants to be considered, but brought back some happy/scarey moments. X

oh God nor am I! Even the thought of it terrifies me now? Did have some fun times though before 'elf and safety and Helicopter parents!?

 

[BSL2]

oh God nor am I! Even the thought of it terrifies me now? Did have some fun times though before 'elf and safety and Helicopter parents!?

?

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

I ride a horse at work who thinks it's funny to do this. I just break his hold by fiddling with my reins and he comes back round and lovely again. He LOVES it when the kids (I refer to the 16-19yo's as kids because that is what they seem like to me ?) ride him! He cocks his jaw and leans like hell on them so he can scoot off at his own speed ??? they haven't worked him out yet.

Most racehorses are trained to go faster the harder you hold the reins and slow down when you loosen them - I know it's backwards compared to anything you have ever been taught but hey! Why make life simple ???

OP you have Lupus, you love your horse, he is taking the mick because he can. Try him in a Mexican grackle so he can't cross his jaw. There are no prizes for being a hero and trying to ride through it in a simple snaffle and noseband. If the grackle doesn't work then change the mouthpiece of your bit to something he can't lock onto like a Waterford or something. No need to even think about selling your horse until you have tried a few changes that could make your life so much easier!

 

[silv]

[
OP you have Lupus, you love your horse, he is taking the mick because he can. Try him in a Mexican grackle so he can't cross his jaw. There are no prizes for being a hero and trying to ride through it in a simple snaffle and noseband. If the grackle doesn't work then change the mouthpiece of your bit to something he can't lock onto like a Waterford or something. No need to even think about selling your horse until you have tried a few changes that could make your life so much easier![/QUOTE]

This!