Story originally posted by: Maggie Flowers - HorseCity.com Training Director

I have a 14 year old QH mare. When she gallops, she goes at an all-out, bone-jarring run. She pulls at the bit and it takes alot of work to get her stopped. I've been trying to get her to lope, she starts out slow, then speeds up until she's out of control again. Is there a way I can get her to slow down or at least stop when I want her to?


Hello Ron,

Short of perhaps investing in a new bit, one that will give you the control you need but will not sour the mare's mouth. I would suggest going back to do a refresher course on commanding respect when under saddle. Go back and do some ground work, longeing, making sure she understands and remembers the basic verbal and leg cues.

One other thing I would suggest is that you evaluate your riding. Check or have someone check your seat when you ask her for this transition. Sometimes without realizing it, we tend to give mixed cues to the horse and then wonder why they respond the way they do. We tend to blame them, not taking an account that we may be leading into a forward command by the position of our upper body, our hands, our legs and the tension of the reins. If all these parts are not in sync with one another, you end up with the problem you are having.

Changing you bit could be your last solution, but check list all the other aids before going to an expense and the process of acclimating your horse to the new bit. Good luck.

Maggie Flowers