How to Stop a Horse That Is Running Away

Even the most predictable horses can sometimes spook and take off with a rider. And, unfortunately, some horses become barn sour and run away just to get home faster. Either way, a runaway is a danger to itself, its rider and possibly others as it careens out of control, so it's important for riders to know how to curb a horse in this situation.

Instructions

    • 1

      Seesaw the reins as hard as you can, pulling left and then right. Do not get in a tug-of-war with the horse. Most novice riders and even experienced riders who are frightened by a runaway will try to haul back on a horse, attempting to pull it to a stop by force. But a runaway usually has the bit between its teeth, also known as grabbing the bit, and will outpull you.

    • 2

      Shorten up on one rein and yank the horse's head to one side, keeping it that way if seesawing the reins fails and you have clear ground around you. Do not attempt this technique if you are on a wooded trail or uneven terrain. Most horses will stop at this point, because a horse must follow its head.

    • 3

      Jump off if all else fails. If you are an area where turning the horse to the side is impossible and it appears as if you cannot stop and/or a street or other danger fast approaches, you may have to get off. Of course, only an experienced rider will be able to do this maneuver, but most inexperienced riders will have fallen off by this point anyway. Slow the horse down as much as possible. Prepare to dismount, as if the horse were standing still. Kick off the stirrup on the far side of the horse, and then throw that leg over the saddle while maintaining a dismount position, still on the horse.

    • 4

      Kick free of the second stirrup, and then drop to the ground on your feet when you find a safe area to land. This method is the safest way to get off a runaway horse. If you just bail off a running horse, you will land on the ground very hard on your side or back and will be in a lot of pain the next day.

    • 5

      Hold onto the reins, if possible. A loose horse could cause itself and others a lot of harm.