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bolting
Nov 29, 2011 15:03:46 GMT 1
Post by outoftheblue on Nov 29, 2011 15:03:46 GMT 1
People have been slow to reply to you because it is a very difficult one. A true bolter is not safe to ride - end of story. However, if its not quite that then you need experienced help to see exactly what is happening. Maybe an RA?
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bolting
Nov 29, 2011 17:53:29 GMT 1
Post by helenj on Nov 29, 2011 17:53:29 GMT 1
Think back over the times that it has happened and write down anything that you can remember.
Where were you? How long had you been riding for? Were you on your own or with other horses? What was the weather like? Were there any other animals in the area - dogs, cows, sheep? Were there any people in the area and anything notable about them - clothes colours, flappy macs, umbrellas? What was the traffic / road conditions like - cars, lorries, buses, parked traffic, cycles, motorbikes, roadworks, grit bins, traffic cones? Has anything previously happened in the place where he bolted?
Maybe by doing this you will see some common issues. If it is time you have been out riding, there may be a saddle pinching problem.
Beyond that, I tend to agree with outoftheblue - if he is really bolting, you need to get to grips with this before riding out. If he is boinging forwards a few strides, then pulling himself back together, you can work on general de-spooking, but it takes a lot of time to get a horse to be bomb-proof. And in either instance it may be good to have help from an RA to get you started.
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Post by raymond on Jan 1, 2012 23:31:44 GMT 1
Bolting can be a dangerous vice - especially if the horse discovers your vulnerability on a tarmacced slope. You must work hard on eliminating this problem. Seek outside help if necessary.
If the horse whirls to the left, then pull the animal right through 360 degrees to face forwards - likewise if it turns right then react in the same way. Your response should be sharp, harsh and instant.
There might develop a tendency for the horse to try the evasion at the same place, perhaps a turning on the route which the horse senses is the shortest way home. In which case avoid that spot.
You should ride 'collected' in gentle contact with the horse's mouth at all times. Try not to tense up. Preferably ride in pairs, with you following behind the leader.
The big issue is exactly why is the horse behaving this way? Is it nappiness ie not wishing to leave the yard - is it a fear of an animal say pig? donkey? dog? or is it the sheer cussedness of a wily cob wishing to try you out?
Find an instructor, explain the problem, and let him or her review your seat and posture.
If the horse is bolting forwards without whirling round , then be ready to saw the bit and pull the animal to one side. FItting a harsher bit is a consideration but that is a step to be taken only. As has been suggested, keep a full record of when and where the horse tries its luck.
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