About my horse that bolts?

i forgot to mention that he may be only 14'2 but he is a cross suffolk punch, he is built like the side of a house. He also has stiff back legs as he was a ride and drive pony and my vet thinks he was shunted from behind when he was younger so he can not do paddock work as he can not take the corners too well. he has only ever been a happy hacker a mr plod if you like but thats all i wanted as i am only just getting my confidence. I have always noticed that when he bolts there is a terrified look in his eye. its not just that he does not want to be caught something has really frightened him. i know there is a problem with him as it is toatally out of charecter for him to do this. please help me i am so worried that something is seriously wrong
Answers:
It could be back pain; the stiff back legs combined with bolting when he is mounted would suggest it. I think you need to see an equine vet to rule it out before you try re-training.

http://www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk.
See about starting him, then bombproof training. Its used by Riding For the Disabled and the police, who both need reliable horses.
He could very likely have a neurological problem. Be sure that he is vaccinated for rabies, West Nile Virus, Equine Encephalitis, or doesn't have Equine Protozal Myelitis.
You have a horse that bolts together? That is brilliant.
I think he will probably need shot
You should probably get help from a professional. Get some lessons, and help from a trainer. You should also try to ride in a confined area until you are able to get your horse under control.
You could try feeding him a calmer try Placid or Steady-up see link below. It worked for one of my horses who was very nervy.

If that doesn't work you could try a horse behaviourist (horse whisperer) I know people who have had good results.

For the stiffness in his back legs, give him Cortaflex (Equine America) or ExtraFlex from Feedmark which is bascially glucosomine, it works wonders for my old boy. Glucosamine is pretty good for me too.
Put a nut & washer on it to stop it.
Ask your vet if he can recommend a horse person willing to help. Have you tried blinkers? They may stop him being spooked so easily.
I assume you have asked a question earlier and that this is an added bit of info., so do not know the original query. If he bolts only when you are mounted, check that his saddle fits properly and that it has no sharp bits to dig in his back.
He may be a Suffolk Punch cross, but are you sure that at 14.2 he is big enough to take your weight?
Theres no easy answer to this Ive been training horses for 40 years and to try and give you the answer from your question is near impossible. You say he has stiff hind legs and was probably shunted, when he bolts does he hold his head off to one side if he does hes looking for something to hit him in the a** again do you use a riding crop it could be that your doing something just before he bolts that is reminding him of that earlier accident. Question yourself 99.9 times in a 100 its the rider thats at fault. There is no such thing as a bad animal just bad owners so think if hes a lame and stiff as you say he more than likely should not be ridden.think about this and if you need more advice post another question or maybe i can help you via e.mails. good luck
The only thing you can do is keep reassuring him and slowly breaking him back in I have no doubt that something has scared the living daylights out of him at some time or another. You also play a part in his rehab as if they sense the slightest bit of worry in the rider they will pick up on it. Time And love will be his greatest healer. All the best
i would get a lunge line and a bugy whip and when he bolts i would start to lunge him..and try it again and lunge him again. my mare will run from the gate because i have trained her to do so.. but she will only run out of the gate if i say a comand which is get on.. and she takes to a dead run.. but you need to be care ful because it can be very dangous if you get in the spot at the wrong time. you need to lunge and ground work for about 1 month and not ride him.. if you need help let me know ajrotc_baby@hotmail
shoot him, bolting horses are a danger to you and themselves
Is there a reason for him to bolt, like a gusty day, loud noise, you given him an aid more heavily than usual.

Have you had his back/teeth/legs checked out and no pressure sores or saddle pressing down wrong.

Can you lunge him and get him to use his legs more over poles to get him a bit supple - I know that takes time 4/6 months. Plus you don't say how old he is.