Horse Riding?

Question

I've been riding horses for about 4 months, and until now, i haven't had a problem keeping the horses head down while he jogs, trots, and lopes, but now he's not wanting to keep his head down, and i'm doing the same thing i have been for the past 4 months. It's an Arabian horse, i'm still using the same bit and everything, i don't know what could be wrong.

Answer 1

Has he had his teeth done? He could be putting it up to avoid the pain in his mouth. Horses need their teeth floated every 6 to twelve months.

Another thing could be your hands. He could be learning to put his head up to avoid getting jerked around in the mouth. Make sure that you keep your hands still and don't move them suddenly, but gently.

It could also be a sore back. Does he seem more stiff than usual when he moves? He could have pulled a muscle in his back, not necessarily while being ridden.

Basically, he's trying to avoid something, once you find out what that is you can change it and make for a happier horse (and rider).

Good Luck :)

Answer 2

4 months isnt a very long time to be riding...

ok perhaps your horse has a stick or something lodged in his mouth (I actually had this happen once) or has a tooth ready to fall out such that the bit is hurting him.. this would be particularly if he is throwing his head...
a tie down isnt going to help becuae it forces the horse to hold its head down rather than trains it do do so... I suggest getting an Arab training Martingale.. these are the best and help study the reins so it wont annoy him so much...
you should only be using a snaffle if you are only riding 4 months

Answer 3

Is it the same horse? if you've only been riding four months, you probably aren't doing the same thing youve been doing, because you SHOULD be getting better. Listen to your instructor, and remember that arabians are naterally high headed, they are built that way. Ask your instuctor what you are doing wrong, and listen!

Personaly, I would not worry about the horses head, unless its REALLY high. Focus on riding correctly, and when you ride correctly, he will move better, from his hind end, and his head and neck will simply go wear its supposed to, which may or may not fit your deffinition of "down" if your riding western pleasure. (just a guess) His poll (the top of his head) should never be below his withers.

Answer 4

my husband has trained quarter horses for the past 35 years, for pleasure, show, and working cattle, after he teaches them to turn left or right, the next thing he does is to teach them to keep their head down using a tye down that goes on the breast collar, he says you should want your horse's head down so that they watch for whats ahead of them, if their head is held high they can't see whats coming under their feet, but i'm not sure about an arabian horse, if my husband was home i could ask but hes not. Maybe you could find out who "broke" your horse "the Trainer" and that might explain a little more, hope you enjoy future riding.

Answer 5

In 30years of training show horses, I have discovered the head being down is a result of all else being right. Once you disqualify pain, start evaluating yourself. Do you do any lateral exercises?Instead of focusing on the head being down, start focusing on raising the back( this is collection, by the way). All of the tools in the world will not help lower the head properly without the underline being strong and the top line being flexible.

Answer 6

well i have been riding horses for 5-6 years and sometimes horses want to try something new but u have to stay i control and dont yank their head down cause i mean would u like that? but keep the reings tight and in towards ur chest ( dont b too tense though ) just c what u think will work....good luck have fun!!!!! ♥

Answer 7

I agree with Claire. It sounds like the horse is trying to get away from pain, either in his mouth or his back. Have the vet check his teeth. If they do not need to be floated, he may need a chiropractor or massage therapist.

Answer 8

ive only been riding for about a month but when my horse tries to lift his head up i keep the reins tight and straighten my pinkies and kinda seesaw the reins not too hard but like side to side and he lowers his head and then i loosen em up, and then put it back tight and do it again every time ;)

Answer 9

if im correct i think there's nth wrong its juz dat maybe its taking a break from puting its head down

Answer 10

try a tie down....the only thing is that you cannot use them during showing!! i hope i helped!