redredruby
Well-Known Member
I've always thought that bolting was when a horse ran away from something purely on instinct without any comprehension of risk to itself or rider - The ultimate flight response if you like.
It was something which happened incredibly rarely and was rightfully recognised as extremely dangerous to horse, rider and anyone unlucky enough to be on the way.
Recently though I have heard it used regularly as a way to describe a horse running off (either through a spook or high jinks) or getting too strong and not stopping when the rider asks - for example, I've heard people say "he bolted down the bridle path" but on further discussion, the horse did actually stop but when it wanted to as opposed to when the rider asked.
So, what does bolting mean to you and does it matter if it is used to mean different things?
Personally, I think bolting should only be used to describe the most extreme situation, as it undermines just how serious a bolting horse is when it is used so freely and regularly. I also think it is sometimes a way to justify bad behaviour or poor riding - saying it 'bolted' implies there was nothing to be done to prevent it happening.
Thoughts?
It was something which happened incredibly rarely and was rightfully recognised as extremely dangerous to horse, rider and anyone unlucky enough to be on the way.
Recently though I have heard it used regularly as a way to describe a horse running off (either through a spook or high jinks) or getting too strong and not stopping when the rider asks - for example, I've heard people say "he bolted down the bridle path" but on further discussion, the horse did actually stop but when it wanted to as opposed to when the rider asked.
So, what does bolting mean to you and does it matter if it is used to mean different things?
Personally, I think bolting should only be used to describe the most extreme situation, as it undermines just how serious a bolting horse is when it is used so freely and regularly. I also think it is sometimes a way to justify bad behaviour or poor riding - saying it 'bolted' implies there was nothing to be done to prevent it happening.
Thoughts?