29 August 2008 11:53
I have a 16-year-old, 13.2hh, New Forest pony on full loan, who I have been riding for about four months. He has always been good tempered and an easy ride. I’ve recently changed his feed from Pasture Mix to Sixteen Plus, as his condition dropped, but I don’t feed as much as I did.
The last time I took him out for a hack, he suddenly turned around and galloped off in the other direction.
I tried walking him back up the trail with another horse afterwards, but he kept trying to rear.
I thought we were building a good relationship. I normally ride him for about an hour four times a week, so I don’t think it’s lack of exercise, and I’m worried he will do it again.
Answer
By Your Horse
Instructor Jane Baker says:
I suggest that you get help from a qualified and experienced instructor, who will be able to help you assess the cause of the problem. Possible reasons for him running away are as follows:
Exuberance Try loose schooling or lungeing before you ride, but do this with him tacked up. If he is lazy while doing this, it may be something that you are doing that sets him off.
Pain It is natural for a horse to run from fright or pain, or even the fear of pain. It may be his mouth – if you put more pressure on the reins when you feel him get stronger, which it is instinctive to do, then a vicious circle is set up. Or he may be in pain from his saddle and, again, if you change your position for canter, this may put pressure on a sore patch, which will make him run.
If you think he is pain, you must consult your vet, who may refer you to another therapist such as a dental technician.
Unbalanced riding If your horse is sensitive, he will react to what you are doing much more quickly and may become frightened. This is where an instructor can really help you – firstly by assessing you on the horse and then by riding him to feel what the horse is actually doing.