WOW! You've bought a young high spirited horse for the 1st one. They can be EXTREMELY smooth and are VERY beautiful. I am not an expert in NO way on training horses. But, I understand what it is like to have a run away. We've bought several young spirited horses. I agree, you need to invest in some horsemanship riding and training techniques. There are lots of techniques and methods out there, so you'll probably want to do some research. Also, what may work for one horse or one horse / rider combo, may not work for another. Horses all have their own personality just like people. One thing you can work toward while your compiling your neverending horse library, is building trust and a relationship with your horse. The more the horse trusts you, the more you will be able to help him/her get through the fear of running. I have also had the nickname "tigger" before too. Because, I am a "high" energy person. Horses, are more a "body language" animal. So, if you are feeling excited about riding (not a bad energy) but have lots of exciting energy, some of this maybe be relayed to your horse. It's possible that he doesn't realize it's a "good" energy. Just the excitement. Just through riding, we have found that our daughter's Arab, doesn't do as well with a bit. She rides alot at home (not much time for trails lately) and sometimes may only have a few minutes. So, instead of not having enough time to ride at all, she'll hook her reins to the halter. We were amazed at the difference we found. He's much calmer and usually stops. NOT TO SAY THAT's what you need to do. But, we've started thinking that maybe in his unknown past, he might have had more training and/or riding with a hackamore or bosal style bridle or some of his experiences with a bit where not good. So, she's starting to work with him on learning about the "bit." Anyway, that's just a VERY small example of somethings that you might not even think about. Which is, what type of training and tack does your horse know. Also, I have learned that a simple natural horsemanship technique is to "kinda mimic" the calming a mother gives to the young baby horse. Gently rubbing the neck and withers can help calm a nervous excited horse. That is NOT the only answer but may help a little. YOU NEED TO BE AS SAFE AS YOU CAN. You obviously have a love for horses that should not be lost just because this is a young spirited horse. BEST WISHES!

Hi there, Yeah, sounds like it would be a good idea for you to take lessons at a lesson barn, in an arena, on a good old dead broke horse. Strengthen your riding ability from there. You want your riding time to be enjoyable not a time of panic and frustration. You don't want to get hurt. One of my trainers told me "green on green makes black and blue".There is so much to learn about riding itself as well as horse sense and how they think. I have seen a lot of new/green riders get gun ho and get a horse that isn't best suited for them and their riding ability. They wind up getting scared and or hurt therefore giving up on their love and passion for these awesome animals. A young horse is hardly ever a good idea for a new rider. If you can't take lessons, I would seriously recommend a much older more expericed, calm horse.

thanks to all who responded, i have invested in some training vidios and such, my young spitfire of a horse, is realy starting to respond very well. it just takes time and patience, and confidence, not only in him, but also in myself........ thanks for all the well wishes and may all your rides be wonderful aand long...........

i have tried clinton anderson vidios, and they are realy working with him, thanks for al your concern, i love being a horse owner and trully enjoy the time that i spend with my rebal.

hi Tiiggeerr,

When a horse is running away it helps to grab one rein and make him go in a circle.....he will slow down fast! Also it helps to pull the reins back one at a time instead of both together which sometimes makes him grab the bit in his mouth. By pulling the reins like a see-saw helps to prevent him from grabbing the bit and running away.

Hello. I just thought I would comment to tiiggeerr007 even though she has gotten some good advice. I am a horse trainer and I have worked with many gaited horses as well as youngsters. Some Tennessee Walking Horses while beautiful and smooth are still a hotter breed especially the colder the weather gets. I have found that three things have helped me the most in training them. 1) Regular turnout in a large space 2)Lunge your horse or work them in the round pen faithfully before every ride( Don't increase the amount of time every time or your end of with a more fit horse.) 3) Try to determine the cause of him running away. I know that sounds obvious but it really can be caused by a whole bunch of reasons. How much training did he have when you bought him? Was he broke to ride? How much bitting work has he had done by a trainer. Three main causes of runaways are 1) Too much energy from a untrained green horse 2) Horse is afraid and has not accepted a rider or the bit. 3)Rider Error
I wish you all the best of luck with him. I love Clinton Anderson also.

p.s...I know a lot of people have great results riding a horse without a bit aka a hackamore. When I was 17, I was riding an appaloosa with a hackamore down the side of a two lane country road. Everything was as smooth as can be and out of the blue--the horse took off running. I don't know if it was spooked or ready to head to the barn. I pulled sideways--back--you name it---with everything I had in me to try to get this horse to stop. With a hackamore or halter, they have the advantage because they set their head and we're screwed! Well, I certainly was. With lightning speed, the horse decided to shoot left--across this two lane, cement road. The horse had shoes on all four feet. When those metal shoes hit the pavement, it was as if he had ran onto ice. Zip! All four feet out from under him all at once. I went flying. The fall cracked or broke both of my elbows and both of my kneecaps. I was afraid of the horse running on me--so I jumped up and rolled into the ditch. The horse--sure enough--ran exactly over where I had fallen and kept running behind some houses. Within 1 minute--no more--an 18 wheeler carrying a load of logs--came barreling down that road. It is only by the grace of God alone---that I am here today. I will always be---and have been since then--a loud voice against riding with a hackamore or bridal--especially by children. I don't care how good ANY of our pets are--we don't know what they are thinking and what will set them off. My own children have ridden their old, gentle horses in our pasture ONLY--with the halters and lead ropes on the horse--and no other place. The funny thing? They've only done it roughly once or twice. The uncertainty or "lack of control" is so scary to them--they don't do it anymore. Both of my kids have said that it's like driving a car with no steering wheel and that's not something they are stupid enough to do. Thought I would share this. Thanks for listening. Oh...I still carry the scars on both elbows and both knees from that day. It literally took the hide off of me. I'll be 49 this month and those scars haven't faded very much at all--both physically and emotionally. I now believe in the old saying..."Live to ride another day." Be safe.