How to Handle Yourself on a Runaway Horse

Being on a runaway horse can be a frightening situation for even an experienced rider, especially if you've never been in that situation before. If your horse bolts, you need to focus on relaxing and riding just as well as you do when you're in complete control of your horse.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Remain calm so you can take inventory of the situation. Being on a runaway horse is dangerous, but it gets even more dangerous if you panic just like your horse has. Though it may seem counterintuitive, relax your body, only engaging the muscles you need to stay on your horse. Tense muscles make it easier for you to fall off your horse.
2. Gain your balance so you can stay on the runaway horse. Where you feel most comfortable on a horse depends on your style of riding, but rising out of the saddle and standing in the stirrups is one approach, while sitting deep in the saddle is another. Either way, leaning forward slightly helps you balance when your horse first bolts. Return to your centered riding position as soon as you can.
3. Get into rhythm with your horse. First, focus on your own breathing. Once you're taking even, rhythmic breaths, focus on getting your body into the same rhythm as your horse's stride. Then, slightly alter your rhythm to remind your horse that you're on her back.
4. Scan the area you're riding in for potential hazards or other riders. Use the reins to direct your horse away from hazards and other rider, if necessary, being sure not to pull back on them. Sometimes a runaway horse will listen to this direction even if he won't listen when you ask him to slow down or stop.
5. Wait for your horse to slow down and stop rather than attempting to force her to do so. Once she stops, take a few moments to calm and reassure her. Then, resume riding, maintaining your calm so your horse feels safe.

Tips & Warnings

• Focus on riding the runaway horse rather than stopping him.
• If your horse doesn't respond to your initial request to stop, don't keep pulling back on the reins. This only encourages her to keep running. Instead, let her have her head.
• Never punish a runaway horse. He bolted because he was frightened; punishment can make him more likely to bolt in the future.