Horse Problems Australia,
Post Office Box 89,
Surrey Downs, SA. 5126.
PH. (61) 0882515250

THE BOLTING HORSE

BY
John O’Leary
Horseman
©2000

 

The origins of the bolting horse are always found in the “foundation stones” put on the horse by the “Horse Breaker” or in the education process that shortly follows. If a horse never ever gets a victory, it will never think it could ever remotely be successful at an attempt. This is why “The One Rein Stop” is so important during this imprinting process.

The true bolting horse is rarely seen. Most are really not bolting but running through a rider’s hands, bad brakes, major resistance, rider too weak, evasion etc.

The true bolter is the horse that goes flat out in a straight line, brakes totally failed and no possibility of turning the head or neck of the horse to circle it. It also may run through fences whereas horses that are not truly bolting will turn or stop at the last minute.

Regardless of which category you may be experiencing, there are certain things you can do to protect your safety somewhat. These are:

  • Firstly applying the brakes. If these do not work, give up on that quick and try to circle the horse. Both of these things should be done immediately one feels they are in trouble but only done for short time. Hanging off the head of a horse that is running away is pointless and really only will cause you more problems. If both of these options do not work, go to step two.

  • Throw the reins away totally. I mean, release all contact on the horses mouth to a completely loopy rein. Sit as relaxed as possible under the circumstances. This often has a completely reverse affect upon a horse and suddenly shocks it into thinking that it has been left to its own devices, it is the complete leader and it is making all of the decisions. Often, this increased responsibility is too much for the horse to handle and it will come to its senses.

  •    Never jump off!! Why purposely injure yourself when the future may hold a brighter ending? You jump off there is virtually 100% chance of injury, stay there and that chance is seriously diminished providing you follow the next pieces of advice.

  • Never sit forward. Sit back. Throw your fee and legs out front like a “Cowboy”, have you toes up and be ready for a sliding stop. When and if the horse comes to a fence or other obstacle it has a few decisions to make. Stop at the last minute, turn left or right, jump the fence or crash through it and possible fall. In three out of those four options, if you stay there you will not be hurt and so your chance of injury has been diminished by 75% from your jumping off.

  •   Hold on to your safety strap, mane, martingale strap or front of the saddle with all your might. Be ready for the left or right turn and change your weight violently into the opposite stirrup to counter balance against the forces.

  •  Above all, keep your cool if possible, DO NOT SCREAM, ever!!!!

I sincerely hope this never happens to you.

 

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