Running away with me

[midnight thunder]

I had a really scary ride! My new horse which was rescued some years ago and given to our stable yard three months ago ran away with me at a flat out gallop. I was riding out with a friend on her horse and we had been walking and trotting happily then began a canter up a long hill, when things got out of hand. My horse just took off. I tried to bring him back but he just bucked and went faster. In the end i turned him into a recently ploughed field and began a large circle. Thankfully the heavy ground and ever decreasing circle stopped him but it was a very frightening experiance. I have been riding him for the last three months and although he has become a little hot with other horses arround I have not experianced this before. On his own he is a very different horse. I ride with a normal jointed snaffle and a running martinale. Should I look at a stronger bit or maybe a standing martingale. He is 10yrs old and a Boerped cross fresian at 15.2 h. I know very little about his past but he seems a very sweet natured horse so I really don't want to give up after one incident. I would really like any input anyone may have.

 

[eahotson]

This is a very dangerous situation.You need very experienced help now.Don't ride again until you have got it.

 

[piggyinablanket]

Sounds like he got a bit overexcited! I have been bolted with 3 times, and its so scary. It affected my confidence even years later and I still worry that something will tank off with me when cantering out. The first time it happened I had a bad fall and dislocated my elbow. ( ouch) I agree, you need help asap I cant offer much practical help but just wanted to say I sympathise

 

[LaurenM]

My horse did this with me once although under different circumstances. Mine lacks confidence and was upset by the other horse spooking at a cyclist's bandana.. he also napped alot into the road i.e. every few yards.

I've had a professional ride him for me 4 times a week for almost 4 weeks now. He's improved dramatically - a completely different horse to ride now.

As above, I'd suggest getting a RI to ride out with you/ride your horse to see if you can establish why he did/does it. It may have been something that you didn't pick on that someone else would be able to spot whilst watching him.

 

[midnight thunder]

thanks guys, yes it was terrifying but I rode in the arena today and seem ok. I will not canter out with other horses until I have done some serious schooling with him and my trainer. I beleive he was used to race in his early years and I think he just saw red mist.

 

[Dobby]

Just take it slow. I used to ride a pony who, when ridden in company, would do anything to get in front. The pony we used to ride out with was much faster and so he would just simply bolt to keep up. Horrible, and I used to worry about turning circles in case he slipped over because he wasn't paying any attention, just hell bent on catching up. However, if we both kept to trot, he was still excitable but it was generally only when we cantered that I couldnt bring him back. Just stick to walking and trotting for a while maybe.