Q. We have a retrained 8 yr. old thoroughbred. He's been off the track for four years and is usually very quiet. However, every now and then when we are at an easy canter, he'll break into a dead run. He isn't frightened or angry when he does it. He has a very sensitive mouth, and pulling back will make him light in the front but not slow down. I'm afraid he'll rear with too much contact. Circling doesn't slow him either; he just becomes unbalanced, and I'm concerned that he'll fall. I've been told by a trainer that he is reverting to what he knows best when he's confused. Using a deep seat can sometimes bring him to a half-halt and get things under control. Sometimes that just doesn't work. I just can't figure out what I'm doing to set this horse off. Can anyone with ex-race horse experience advise me? Also, if I just ride it out, he seems really pleased with himself. If I try to put the brakes on, things get pretty ugly.

A. I'm afraid the only significant ex-racehorse experience I have is with the many thoroughly retrained thoroughbred school horses of my youth, but perhaps I can lend a bit of insight and advice all the same. First of all, try to evaluate your riding technique relative to that which is used on the track. Racehorses associate strong contact through the reins and a forward position in the saddle with speed. If, when your horse picks up a nice canter, you tend to lean a bit forward and/or take a little stronger contact with the reins, you may well be giving subtle cues to turn on the speed. Try softening the reins a bit in canter and make absolutely certain to maintain a deep seat.

Of course the best way to deal with a runaway is to prevent it. I have found many adverse riding behaviors of horses can be all but eliminated by keeping the horse focused on his work. I can't tell you how many runaways, bucks, and other assorted dangerous behaviors I've seen prompted by nothing but boredom. These are generally easily avoided by simply giving the horse something interesting and challenging to do. If you are only having a problem with this horse at canter, concentrate on keeping the canter work focused. Do frequent transitions (like after every 6 strides of canter). The longer he's in the cantering gait, the more likely he'll get bored with it and take off. Canter figures (figure 8's, serpentines, etc.) and patterns around obstacles like cones or poles on the ground, doing frequent simple lead changes with very short stretches of canter (or even trot or walk) in between. Keeping him focused on listening for your next cue will take his mind off amusing himself. If he seems to be getting confused or frustrated with this much more concentrated work, however, just take him back to the slower gaits for some easier, familiar work.

If, despite your best efforts to the contrary, you end up on a runaway again, don't just take a strong, steady hold of his mouth to attempt to slow him down. This will most likely just serve to drive him faster and deeper into the bridle. Instead, try tugs-and-releases or see-saws (pulling with one rein and then the other). It is much more difficult for a horse to grab the bit and run when the pressure in his mouth is inconsistent as with either of these two reining techniques. Also, although you have not found it terribly effective to date, circling a runaway is a great way to safely maintain a minimum amount of control while waiting for the animal to simply run out of steam (which will happen a little sooner on a circle than traveling straight). But you're right; you do need to be careful not to make the circle so small that you risk pulling the horse off balance and causing him to fall while traveling at speed. Start with large circles and gradually reduce their diameter as the horse tires and slows a bit. Be certain also to keep your balance straight in the saddle (don't lean in) while moving in circles.

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