Bolting ex-race horse?

Question

i have an ex-race horse named Elvis and he is a bolter. he does it out of no where and he goes im guessing 40 MPH, as he raced at 43MPH. and usually i use the pulley rein ( pulling one rein twords the cantle of the saddle. but the other problem is that i get worked up. and im deffinatly not a begginer, ive beeing riding along time. but i need to know how to channel my fear to confidence. because the "what if's" are real, Elvis has trampled me bucked reared sent me to the ER in an ambulance, and hes dangerous, but me being scared wont help at all so i need to know how to cool down propperly

Answer 1

do some jpin up with him ,so monty roberts etc. Ride him in a round yard until he listen's too you maybe try a martingale or a market harborough on him, especially with the market harborough it ad's as leverage and they tend not to be able to bolt coze they cant stretch there neck's out. What bit are you riding him in????

I have an ex racer that use to try bolting on me and i was riding him in a snaffle so i changed it too a straightbar pellum, this has helped ALOT, yes its a stronger bit but it works trust me

Answer 2

Try watching some of these great training video's on the market now. It's important to establish yourself as the leader. You will have to work hard on your fear, but Hey, you already know the worst that can happen! The video's feature new ways to gentle a horse and if you watch RFDTV, you'll see these guys at work. We've learned a lot, got back into riding last year after over 25 years of not riding!! Good Luck to you.

Answer 3

Ya don't say how long it has been since he ran, or how long you have had him.

You have to reprogram his mindset as it were, and that takes time and patience.  Lunging him and good groundwork will help.

Not knowing what kind of bit you are using, or martingale, or other equiptment makes suggestions kinda hard.

Hard as it is the best is to stay off his back until you can control him on the ground...and when ever it is possible get some professional help.  Try the ground work by John Lyons, and Linda Tellington-Jones.  Work work and more work.... an ex runner is a challenge.  And you have every right to be afraid of what is happening cuz you have no control over yourself or Elvis.

No matter how long you have been riding,  dealing w/ an ex runner is no mean feat, and not for beginners.

But if you must ride him, be sure you go out in company, and that someone always knows where you are.

Good luck.

Answer 4

Try lunging him before you ride.  And instead of just doing flat lunging, add small jumps and trot poles.  This will get running out most likely and it will help him focus.  It is also safer for you, just use gloves!  Lunging can also be a good bonding experience between horse and human, so use it to have some fun.