16/09/2023
How to train a horse to bolt:
1- regularly lead him with a tight grip, especially on the same side. Resistance to the lead rope on a regular basis will make him feel both confined and worried, and also learn to use it for leverage to seek escape.
2- drive while the hand or lead line or lunge line is closed. This will ensure the horse goes forward into a block, and is forced to go up and away. It’s a very effective way to confuse a horse and bring up the fight or flight in him, and if you’re very effective, he’ll leave in a hurry
3- expose him to something he wasn’t prepared for, or ask him to do something from a place of mental worry, without giving him the skills to understand or accomplish it. Continue applying pressure, or not alleviating it, for best bolting effect.
4- work around or near folks who are not guiding their horse well, with horses who are disregulated. This will give your horse a worried energy to feed off of, and help create energy building to a bolt. Choosing not to support your horse but fighting his energy just to get along with the group will really seal the deal.
5- regularly be unaware of your own energy, your own handling of your tools and have conflicting aids between leg, seat and rein.
It’s not that hard to teach a horse to bolt, any body can do it ! Just follow a few simple steps and you’ll be well on your way to a confirmed bolter- with practice, they can choose it as their default behavior, and you won’t even have to try to create it. Practice makes perfect!
Coming soon:
How to teach a horse to buck
To drag on the lead rope
To not get in a trailer
And many more!