I have a 9yr old paint mare that has a problem with running away?

Question

My 9yr old paint mare likes to sometimes run away with me when I am riding her at the fair grounds or on the road. She just takes off and sprints away at full speed. No matter how hard I pull she doesn't stop. Sometimes I have to spin her around in a circle to make her stop. I use a twisted hackamore bit with a shank on it (only for competing) but other wise i use a Mlyer bit. I don't want to change bits (and i can't) but how can i make her stop.?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Answer 1

Your horse does not respect you. Horses are herd animals, and they constantly will test you to see if you are capable of being their "leader". Basically, like mentioned above, you need to be your horses boss. Try working in a roundpen. I free-lounge my horses (Without a lounge line) but you may want to start with the line. Teach your horse to move, stop, change gates, and turn when and only when you tell her. Once she is 100% on the ground, work her in an arena. Then when you are confident take her on trails or out to the fair. You need to work her from the ground up. If she does keep running away from you do like they said and use a one rein stop. I would reccoment just riding her in a snaffle, but you say you cant. Whatever you do, don't go to a harsher bit, that only makes the problem worse. :))

Answer 2

One thing you can try is to pull one rein and then the other instead of just pulling back.Circling was a good idea.Have you got a round pen that you can school her in? She needs to learn that it isn't ok to run away with you.Good luck to you!!

Answer 3

A horse finds it very very hard to continue running ahead when you turn it's head back to your knee.  use what is called a "cowboy stop".  I uses one rein and you simply turn the horses head all the way to your knee.  The horse has no choice but to slow down and then circle to a stop.  

It sounds like your horse is playing with because it does not see you as the "boss".  Use this tool and while riding and go back to the ground work or round pen and regain respect and control.

Rest assured, your first instinct of not changing the bit is right.   Another bit isn't going to help you as most would like to think.  Respect and control is the key.  Good luck

Answer 4

Your first problem is probably your "sport" - barrel racing is not designed with a horse's natural abilities in mind and is terribly hard on their backs, legs, and feet.

Your second problem is probably related to your first - when was your horse last thoroughly vetted? Dental, xrays, flexion tests, etc? She could have a sore back and be trying to get away from it.

Horses are reactionary creatures. She is not just coming up with a random behavior and perpetuating it. Something caused the initial behavior and is encouraging it to continue.

Stay off of her until she has been vetted. Find a vet that knows sporthorse massage and acupuncture techniques. Get ready to spend money undoing the pain you have probably caused your horse by improper riding techniques and lack of medical attention. Or give her to someone who understands what her physical needs and limitations are, who is willing to do something besides post on Yahoo when she shows signs of pain and panic.