1. Stay in the sleigh.
Grip the seat or railing with one hand and the reins with the other. Most injuries occur when the rider is thrown, falls, or jumps off the sleigh, hitting the ground or a tree or rock. If you cannot reach the reins or they are loose and dragging on the ground, do not attempt to reach them. Hold onto the sleigh and wait for the horse or horses to tire.
2. Tug and release the reins with a medium pressure.
Repeat until the horse begins to slow down.
3. Do not jerk the reins of a horse that is running at full speed.
Never pull a running horse off balance, which might cause it to stumble or fall. Horses can run at a speed of 25 to 30 miles per hour while pulling a sleigh.
4. When the horse slows to a lope or a trot, pull one rein to the side.
With steady pressure, move the horse’s head all the way around toward you. This will cause the horse to begin going in a circle. The horse will quickly tire of circling, begin to feel that you are in control again, and slow to a walk.
5. Pull back with slow, steady pressure on both reins until the horse stops.
Once the horse is at a walk, it is safe to bring it to a complete stop.
6. Dismount.
Be Aware
If a runaway sleigh is coming toward you, do not attempt to grab the horse or the reins. Even if you could grab a rein, that would more likely result in a broken rein than a stopped horse. Let the driver have space to gain control. Standing in front of a runaway horse and flapping your arms will not cause the horse to stop.