horse people and trainers.?

Question

my mare is always not holding her head right. well we are moving from western to english and jumping.. she is taking it very well. but she is not wanting to hold her head right and she won't back up.. which is very stange.. she would always back up for me.. but i've tired a tie down and no luck i've tryed presure and release. not luck. should i change the bit to a pro header or a losse seven shank or show curb, or a swivel shank correction bit. will this look bad in the english gear or is there a english bit that does the same kind of work.. i have worked with horses but you always need out side help thank you for your help..

Answer 1

I agree with checking the teeth, they should be floated on a yearly basis, minimum.

If it's not a physical problem, I would say you need to get her more through in the body (take some dressage lessons). If you just want a headset, I wouldn't use a western bit since you need to use neck reining with those type of shanks, and if you want to ride english you will be taking contact and using a direct rein. Try riding in a kimberwicke bit, it will give you the leverage you are used to but is appropriate for english riding. It's probably the best transition bit for you to use, until you get used to english and can then switch to a plain snaffle. Good luck.

I posted a link to a picture of a kimberwicke so you know the bit I mean. You can put the reins on the bit at the lower slots for more leverage, or in the upper spots for more direct contact with the mouth. The headstall attaches to the top bracket.

Answer 2

I'm not sure if you are having a problem with your horse holding her head too high or too low (you mentioned using a tie down, which would lead me to believe that she is holding her head too high, but you said you are moving from Western to English, which would lead me to believe that her headset should be too low...some clarification would help).

If your horse's headset isn't correct, it usually stems from the body. You might need to work on some flexing, bending, and collection before you focus too much on headset. Especially if you are moving into Jumping, you will not want to "force" a headset that will cause your horse to be out of balance. You might want to try using a Pelham on your horse (this has a seperate curb and snaffle rein which will allow you to feel with the snaffel and fine tune the the curb--I use one on my Arab Gelding and it's great).

As others mentioned...if your horse is showing any uncharacteristic behavior regarding her head, it could be attributed to problems with her teeth...wouldn't hurt to get that checked out by a Vet or by a good trainer who can tell if that is the problem or not. Good luck.

Answer 3

Well I agree with previous posters sometimes teeth can be an issue and a kimberwicke is def. a good idea. I would try a straight bar, because it is similar to a western curb. Another good position tool that I use is a pair of draw reins, or a running martingale. You can get them that attach to the saddle or that look like a martingale then split, it's good for making horses go "round" or "on the bit". They generally keep the horses noses down and tucked, and they are humane. Good Luck

Answer 4

I agree with the above meantioned of having her teeth checked and trying a kimberwick, but what about saddle fit? Is the saddle pinching or hurting her so that she may not want to back up? Was she ever jumped or ridden english and is sour?
Another possibility is that her western training is really showing with the headset. Your best bet is probably to go back to a simple snaffle bit. It is the mildest kind of bit. Western bits can often be harsh, so it is a good idea to go back to a snaffle when problems happen. I would definately check your saddle. Possibly it can even be your position in the saddle (extra leg pressure, for example) that may be creating the problem.

Answer 5

her not holding her head correctly could just be her getting used to english riding, you've taken her from stuff she knows how to do and thrown her into a new thing so she will have a few quirks, what kind of bit did you use western, i would talk to a trainer or someone who knows about bits, i'm not exactly good in that area, and buy an english bit that is close to the western bit you used or one that they think will work well on your horse. give her some time and i'm sure she'll get the hang of it, just keep working with her

Answer 6

I would say that you may be moving a little to quickly for her. You may want to do some streaching with her by taking treats and holding them by her side and her belly. To get the horse to set its head I would use draw reins, and do some dressage. Also, sit back and virate your fingers. Don't give up it took me 4 months. When trying to back her up make sure you are giving her clear signals. Don't kick or cluck because that means go forward. I would also find a bit that your horse likes. Harsher bits will NOT make them set their head more it made my pony worse. I would try a simple snaffle.

Answer 7

I have 3 horses of my own. Huh. This happened to my friends horse that she was trying out (on trial). You have to re-train him/her to get their head straight.

I do western, english-jumping etc., and bare back-jumping etc.
I switch, rotate all my 3 horses so they have a different style (riding) each day.

Answer 8

If the head tilt is anew thing you may want to call out your vet or dentist and have her teeth checked.

Answer 9

what kind of problem? do you mean up too much, down to much, in too much, out too much or what? email me or add details. then i could anwser your question better.