How To Do An Emergency Stop

1. Be sure you are not causing the problem. Make sure your heels or legs are not digging into the horse’s sides. Yelling “Whoa, stop, or halt!” and flapping arms and clothes may only excite the horse more.

2. Hold the reins tightly in each hand.

3. Pull on one rein more strongly than the other and turn the horse in a large, then smaller, and smaller circles.

This will take balance and control on your part—and some space to maneuver. But it can be effective in stopping a runaway

Depending on the horse and situation not all emergency stopping methods may be effective. These emergency stopping methods may not be effective in all situations. Your effectiveness will depend on your skill level and the horse's training. The best way of preventing runaways is by always riding with awareness and control.