Running Out

[bannerlover]

I love the horse I ride in lessons, except he ALWAYS runs out or takes off. I am a pretty good rider, but I'd also like to start jumping him higher. Last week, he ran into the fence (not fun!) and also was hard to stop at a canter. We started stopping (on purpose) after every jump, but whenever I asked him to stop, he would prance sideways and run into something. Any ideas on how to keep him from doing this?

[Piaffe]

It's hard to say what is happening here without seeing you ride this horse.

Is this horse young/inexperienced? Why has your instructor not helped you? He/She is the only person that can advise you here, really, as they have seen what's been happening!!

I would ask your instructor for advice - after all, that is what you are paying for!

[Sapphire]

One bit of a advice, get a video camera and tape all the problem areas, and play it in slow motion or constantly pausing it. This tends to give you the answer to why it's going wrong. I have recently been playing my video of riding, and it shocking how cleary everything is highlighted!!! Once I came out of the saddle a TINY bit, and that was it, that pony would not jump, bless him.
It really helps, it's like another lesson.
Get his teeth, back, neck, hips, tack and confirmation checked, this can give you the go ahead to make sure he's not in pain. What is he like with riders that are not as good as you and riders with more experience? I hope you solve your problems soon, good luck!;)

[Cathy Reynolds]

Try using half-halts to get him to pay attention.