How to Use a Pulley Rein to Stop a Bolting Horse

Bolting is a bad vice for a horse to have and can be extremely nerve-wracking for you as the rider. Practicing the pulley rein, an emergency stopping technique, in controlled situations can prepare you for dealing with a bolting horse and can help you get your horse back under control quickly. Plus, by knowing you have a way to get your control back, you'll probably deal with the bolt much more calmly and effectively than you would without the preparation. Olympic show jumper George Morris teaches this method to his riders for controlling horses in emergencies.

Things You'll Need

  • Enclosed riding area
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Instructions

  1. Practice

    • 1

      Warm up your horse so that he is moving more forward when you use your legs. You want to have some impulsion to get the feel for the pulley rein.

    • 2

      Ask your horse to trot, then lower your inside hand (the one towards the center of your riding area) to your horse's withers between your saddle and her neck and press down.

    • 3

      Lift your hand closest to the fence or wall in an upward and backward motion. The more you lift your hand, the more you should press down with the other hand.

    • 4

      Stand up in your stirrups slightly with your heels pressed down to give yourself leverage. Stop applying the pulley rein when your horse stops.

    • 5

      Practice at the trot, canter and gallop until the pulley rein becomes habitual, but don't practice so often your horse becomes resistant or panicked.

    Using in Emergencies

    • 6

      Check your surroundings when your horse bolts to be sure you won't pull him into a tree or a hole when you apply the pulley rein.

    • 7

      Turn your horse depending on her speed. A horse going very fast will become unbalanced and possibly fall if you yank too hard or quickly with the pulley rein; only pull up and back enough to guide your horse in a circle until she calms down.

    • 8

      Trot your horse when he slows down. Asking him to walk or halt may make him more anxious and difficult to control.