Horse Training: How To Stop A Horse From Running Away

Running away, like all other habits, is caused byhave control of him even under excitement of any
improper and careless handling. It only takes three orkind. However, you should never start to train a
four experiences of this kind to make a horse unsaferunaway horse without having one or two helpers on
to drive, ride or work. The driver is never sure whetherhand, as you will need them at practically every stage
he will get back with the whole rig or not. This is notof the game.
the only bad feature of having a runaway horse, forAccording to Professor Beery "the treatment for a
the driver never knows when he will be thrown out, inrunaway is similar to that used in subduing a shyer. He
making a quick turn, or running over some sort of anshould have racket made all over and around him, and
obstruction and either badly shaken up, or, possiblyanything he is liable to frighten at should be used about
crippled for life. I would rather risk my life behind ahim and he should be drilled thoroughly on the
kicker or shyer any day, than behind a runawaycommands "Whoa," "Steady," and "Get Up." Be sure
before he has been properly subdued and with nohe is aware of the fact that struggle as he will, you
means of control except the lines.have complete control over him, under any
A great many runaway horses have had the mostcircumstances, and at any time."
severe jaw-breaking bits used on them. Most driversSpecial bridles can also be used to help train and
imagine that if they put a severe jaw-breaking bit ondissuade a potential runaway, especially one that is not
the runaway horse that they have a means of control.confirmed in the habit and has shown an inclination to
They continue in this belief until the horse becomesrun only once or twice. In a great number of cases all
frightened or sees an opportunity to run off, and then,that is necessary is to compel him to stop at your will,
in spite of the action of the jaw-breaking bit, the horseand he will become so discouraged that he will give up
runs away and smashes things to pieces. I have seenthe contest. The use of the Second Form War Bridle
horses' tongues almost torn from the mouth,is usually sufficient to overcome the habit, if it is not
sometimes hanging by a very small piece of flesh orfully developed. When a horse shows a desire to run,
muscle, caused by the use of harsh bits, in the drivers'the driver, by a few quick jerks on the cord, gives the
effort to restrain them.horse severe punishment across some of the nerves
There is only one way to overcome this habit and thatleading to the brain, and has him under control within a
is by a complete subjective treatment. You mustfew feet from where he first started.
overpower his strength and convince him that you