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Q&A for How to React when the Horse You're Riding Starts Galloping Unexpectedly

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How do I control and stop the horse?

Ted & JoAnn Dawson
Equestrian Experts
Ted and JoAnn Dawson are Equestrian Experts based in North East, Maryland. Ted and JoAnn gained years of business and horse experience operating Carousel Farm & Riding Stables in Delaware from 1986 to 1998, and in 1999, they opened Fairwinds Farm & Stables, offering riding lessons, trail rides, equestrian summer camp, horse-drawn carriages, pony rides, and special events including weddings and birthday parties. Fairwinds Farm has been selected as a Maryland Horse Discovery Center and was inducted into the Cecil County Business Hall of Fame. It has also been awarded Tourism Business of the Year and Cecil County Outstanding Farm Operation. Fairwinds Farm is a “destination” farm and B&B, featured on Good Morning America, in The New York Times, The Baltimore Sun and Country Woman, Horse & Rider, and Maryland Life Magazines. The Dawsons both teach Equine Science classes at Cecil College, are members of the Maryland Farm Bureau and Maryland Horse Council, and work as animal wranglers for film and TV. JoAnn has a B.S. degree in Animal Science and Ag Education and a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Delaware. She is the author of the Lucky Foot Stable series of books for ages 8-13, and screenwriter of the film Cream of the Crop, now streaming on Amazon Prime. Ted holds a B.S. degree from the University of Delaware in Business Administration and Finance.

Ted & JoAnn Dawson

Equestrian Experts

Expert Answer

Avoid yelling or screaming, as it can exacerbate the situation. Instead, focus on gently and consistently pulling the horse's head to one side without forcefully pulling back. Engage both hands and turn the horse sharply either to the left or right, effectively directing its movement. Continue turning the horse in a circle, as this maneuver helps to slow down the horse's pace. By maintaining control through controlled steering rather than forceful restraint, you increase the likelihood of calming the horse and bringing it to a gradual stop.

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Question

What would I do if my horse started doing this on a busy main road?

Community Answer

As soon as you can, you need to turn his head (in whatever direction) and make his head almost touch your leg in the stirrups. Bring your hand to your hip to make him turn his head in that direction, and keep holding your hand there until he comes to a stop. It is almost impossible for horses to gallop forward while their heads are turned sideways.

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Question

How can I tell if my horse is going to refuse a jump?

Community Answer

A horse will usually lean towards the direction that it wants to run, so you should be able to look for signs that your horse is trying to avoid the jump instead of make it.

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Question

What should I do if I land under a horse's feet?

Community Answer

Quickly roll away. If you can't get away from the horse, use your limbs to defend the more sensitive parts of your body, like your head and chest.

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Question

Why does a horse suddenly bolt when it has got as far as the last 3 jumps without any problems?

Madofdad

Community Answer

The horse is probably spooking. Maybe there was a loud noise in the arena, or it saw something out of the corner of its eye. Or maybe the jump just scared the horse, which happens sometimes.

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Question

Why do horses spook at loud noises?

Community Answer

Horses are prey animals. Prey cannot afford to be laid back and complacent; they have to be alert and vigilant at all times so they won't get eaten by predators. This behavior is instinctive and has not been bred out of horses by breeders, so horses are still easily scared of sudden noises, gestures, etc. and panic easily.

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Question

What do I do if I'm slipping sideways on a bolting horse? (It happened before and I came off.)

Community Answer

Try to regain your balance by pulling on his mane. Don't squeeze your legs, because that will make him go faster. Lean closer to his neck and try flexing his neck so he can stop. Also, spin him in circles after you stay on, if you do. It will help calm him down.

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Question

What should I do if the horse is running down a hill?

Community Answer

There isn't much you can do. The horse will most likely tumble resulting in the horse and yourself being injured.

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Question

What should I do If I can’t gallop?

Community Answer

If you are not ready for the gallop and your horse decides to take off at a gallop, take your left or right rein and pull so that your horse goes in circles. Eventually the circle will be too tight for your horse to gallop, and it will soon stop. This is called a one-handed stop.

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Question

What do I do if my horse jumps my sand arena’s fence?

Community Answer

If you can anticipate your horse is going to take off and jump, do a one-handed stop. Take either your left or right rein and pull straight back so your horse has to go in circles. Continue to do so until your horse stops and you can safely dismount.

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Question

How do I help a horse who spooks really easily?

GreenEventing

Top Answerer

Introduce him slowly to scary things from the ground. If he is scared of plastic bags, then tie one to your arena fence. Work in circles, starting on a small circle away from the object, and slowly making the circle larger, going closer and closer to it. Let him investigate, and don't punish the horse for spooking. Just keep on going like nothing happened.

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Question

I love my horse but he always bolts. I have had him for a long time but he is just always spooking. My parents say I should sell him. What should I do?

GreenEventing

Top Answerer

Take time to introduce him to things. Tarps, balloons, a blanket on a fence. Work slowly, making sure he is calm before taking things a step further. Never punish him, but just quietly correct him. You need to make yourself a trustworthy leader. Many people let the horse trust them by 'playing nice', but then they lash out, and now the horse is frightened. That is often how they learn not to trust humans.

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Question

What should I do it my horse begins galloping in an arena with others on horseback?

GreenEventing

Top Answerer

Do a one-rein stop. Shorten your right rein, and bring his head to your knee. Squeeze or even kick with your left leg. Or run him into a corner. It sounds harsh, and it is, but letting him gallop will only endanger the other horses and riders, and he will just do it again.

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