hi all, I was wondering if you could maybe give me some advice? My pony that I have had now for nearly two months, is a napper! He seems to be fine when he is out with specific other horses, but on his own and with certain horses, he just turns tail and gallops off in the opposite direction without warning. I feel like at these times I have no breaks, as nothing I do seems to stop him. He also just doesn't stop... even when walking... when I ask him to when out on hacks. (He's fine in the school). He had his teeth checked not too long ago, and his tack is specifically fitted to him. I'm riding him in a simple snaffle right now and was considering getting a stronger bit, but I'm reluctant unless it's essential.

I never let him get away with running off with me, I always turn him back round and make him go the way /I/ want to go. And everywhere I take him alone, we've ridden without problem with other horses. Usually, I can ride him on a pretty loose rein when out with others, but alone I'm starting to feel as though I cannot do that. Don't get me wrong, I haven't yet felt 'unsafe' when he's galloped off, I've just been concentrating on getting him to listen to me!! lol. But any advice on how to stop this before it gets too bad would be appreciated.

__________________
Proud owner of 4 dogs--Cody, Babe, Ella and Bridie. 2 cats - Klimt and Mia, 5 ferrets -- Leola, Drucilla, Tommy, Spike and Pippin and 1 horse -- Puzzle

Hi, sorry you are having trouble with your pony. The fact that he will hack out happily in the same areas with some horses but not others would indicate it's probably not a pain issue, but if he were mine I think I would have his back & saddle checked just to rule it out ( I know you said his tack was fitted to him but how long ago? Ponies change shape & flocking goes flat or lumpy causing pressure points, also if a saddle has been dropped or rolled on the tree could be damaged).
Do you have lessons with him at all? It could be that some time in the school may benefit him & an experienced instructor could help. I wouldn't try putting a stronger bit on him until you have ruled everything out, is he ridden in a jointed snaffle? Sometimes the 'nutcracker' action can cause pain in the mouth. Maybe a loriner could advise you of different bitting options.
Tbh a pony bolting off at the gallop is pretty unsafe, you don't know what you are going to come across!
Hope some of these suggestions help

My sister had this problem with her horse. She would just take the bit in her mouth and run. We swapped her onto a hackamore and never had a problem since. May be worth a try