How to Deal with Bolting

By Your Horse

How to...

15 April 2008 09:28

Fortunately true bolting, where a horse is running in blind panic, is rare. More typically, riders use the term ‘bolting’ to mean a horse that becomes so strong it gets away from them. Either scenario involves being out of control at speed and is frightening and dangerous. While the risk of fear-induced bolting is difficult to eliminate completely, work can be done to improve the latter type of bolting. Common causes include over-feeding, inadequate schooling, over-excitement, ineffective riding or pain. These need to be tackled immediately to prevent horse, rider or a third party getting hurt.

Dealing with bolting:

1. Do your school work

Make sure you school your horse so he is responsive to your aids. In particular, use lots of transitions so he gets used to listening to you. Avoid hacking until he is responding well to you in the arena.

2. Boost your skills

Have some lessons to make sure you are riding effectively and confidently. If you are still feeling wobbly, ask an experienced rider to take him out for a few weeks until he’s behaving better.

3. Plan your routes

Avoid always doing fast work in the same places so your horse cannot anticipate this. Use different routes and try to choose uphill tracks for cantering – this will put you in better control and mean your horse should tire faster.

4. Position of power

If your horse does get away from you, get yourself in an effective position. Stay upright, rather than leaning forward, and bridge your reins – bring them both into one hand, and then hold both reins in both hands. Place your little fingers between the two reins so you can give aids to each rein individually. Give short tugs and, if possible, bring your horse onto a large circle, so you can gradually slow him.

5. A bit extra

If you are still struggling for control, try a different bit. A Pelham, Dr Bristol or three-ring gag may command more respect, but try them in the school first.