My horse wont slow down, what do I do?

Question

My quarter horse is 15 years old and she want's to go fast all the time. I'm a beginner rider so I'm not used to running yet, when she get's running she doesnt want to stop after that. I've tried walking her at first but she continue's to run, even with me holding the reins tight she refuses to stop. I'm afraid I'll end up getting hurt,I love her and want to keep her but i might get hurt trying to work through this, can someone please help me out?

Answer 1

I would suggest having someone with more experience ride her.  They may want to change the bit you are riding her with.  I have a horse that ran off with me though he is really gentle.  Come to find out, we had grabbed the wrong bridle and the bit he had in his mouth was too mild.  Be careful and good luck.

Answer 2

If as you say you are a beginner rider, yuo really shouldn't be riding a horse that you cannot control.  You may both end up getting hurt.

The first thing to do is get some lessons straight away.  Basically she is taking the mickey out of you because she knows that you don't have the confidence to control her yet.  You need to show her who is boss.

Next time she runs away turn her in a circle, but not too tight - you don't want her to fall over.  You will be able to keep more control of her this way.  Don't even try to stop her by pulling hard on the reins as she will just fight you.

The second option, but not one that I'd recommend to a novice rider, is to keep her running.  If she is running away with you and stopping when she chooses, then she is in control.  If she runs for a bit ans you feel her starting to slow down, give her a kick and keep her running.  You are saying to her "If you want to run, we'll run, but we stop when I say so."  Again this is not a good thing for a novice rider to do.

I go back to my original advice get some lessons and ask your instructor to help you regain control and self-confidence.  If that still doesn't work I'd seriously recommend that you consider getting a horse more suited to your abilities.

Answer 3

don't tense up on her. if u just hold on the reins it'll frustrate the horse so just give and take, and turn her. make her do what u want her to do(gently). make sure the circles are tight, and don't stop until she is listening to u. then take her out on the rail, and if she tries it again circle some more.

Answer 4

If you can not control it then you should not be ridding it.  She needs to be ridden wide open.  But first she needs to learn to stop.  She need to go to a trainer to learn this.

Answer 5

Horses can't move as quickly if they're going in a small circle...  so don't let your horse run down the long sides of the arena.  instead, pick a half or even a quarter of the ring.  use that space only.  your horse won't be able to gain momentum if she's always turning.  in addition, make sure you are sitting back and pushing your weight down deep into the saddle...  the more weight on her back, the slower she'll go.  I'd also recommend getting a more advanced rider to train her a little bit...  when you're a beginner, you're still a little nervous...  you're a little worried about falling off and when the horse starts running and you're not ready for it, then it's a bit intimidating.  An advanced rider is going to know how to deal with that situation...  they will know how to stay on so they won't be worried about themselves so they'll be better at controlling the horse.  (after that person rides, have them help you... have them show you what they did to slow down)

If your horse still wants to go too fast in the circle, then only let her canter for a few strides at a time.  and once she canters at a reasonable speed for those few strides, add a couple strides until you can get to the point where she actually listens to you.  That method will work when you're ready to go back to the rail too...  if she starts cantering faster down the long sides, stop her and only let her canter a few strides at a time until you regain control.  during all of that, you'll need your reins a little short...  you want to be able to stop when necessary, and you don't want to have to pull your hands up to your face to stop.  and if you pull and she doesn't stop, give a little tug...  let her know that running through the bit isn't ok...  show her that if she's not going to stop for the gentle pulling, that you're willing to tug...  you'll probably need a series of little tugs to get her to stop completely.

Answer 6

I'm also a beginner rider. I had one horse I was riding for a long time, then all of a sudden I got put onto a new horse. It is really different especially the trot. But when I get scared I just shorten my reins, squeeze my legs, and say wooooo. And she slowly stops. And if she doesn't listen then I give her a soft kick or pop her with my crop. Then she usually stops. But  two things you always have to remember is that you can't hurt your horse just by kicking it  or giving it pop with your crop. And that you are always in charge. don't ever let your horse take charge, I learned that the hard way. Good Luck!