A "bit" of advice please

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dozzie

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Having a few control problems at the mo and was wondering if people had any suggestions for me.

My horse was diagnosed with sacroiliac disease 3 weeks ago. I was advised to walk her out for three weeks avoiding steep hills. This is quite difficult where i live and my only option is to go up the lane opposite and then turn round and come back, so horse knows shes coming home and starts being silly.

Im supposed to start trot work now but can only trot out and dont like to trot too much at a time. Coming home she just gets really strong in trot, sticking her head up and grabbing the bit and I end up having to walk her back.

Because of her problems it is very difficult to get her to listen to the leg and work through the back. I need to be able to trot her staedily when she is out on a hack as part of her rehab programme. I have used a pelham on her but feel this wont really encourage her to work through the back properly and she hates the curb chain.
She is currently in a kk jointed snaffle with a lozenge. (She is allergic to stainless steel)
I am unfamiliar with the range of bits available nowadays, in particular the neueschule, and would appreciate any suggestions of something that might help.

I know that schooling is needed but as I said due to her problems I have been advised not to school for a while. Or at least not until shes done more trot work on hacks!!!

Please dont suggest a copper roller as I sold mine on ebay last year!!!!LOL

Thanks in anticipation
 
Hi Dozziesmummy - not too good at this sort of problem coz I'm not that brave a rider so have a horse who is so kind and generous of spirit that he puts up with all my odd wobbles and (indeed!) collywobbles without a murmur! But the friend I ride out with has an ex-race horse and after he had to have 6 weeks box rest for a pulled tendon (from being an eejit in the field) he was a ...hmmm ... "bit strong" doesn't really come close! Total nutter is better! Anyway - 2 things turned him around again. First, she started doing some very basic groundwork with him. Control headcollar and 12 foot lead rope. Back, forward, stand, yield quarters etc. Just 5 mins at a time to start with and building up from there. It reminded him of his manners and who was supposed to be in charge. The 2nd thing was she put him in a standing martingale for a few weeks so he just plain couldn't stick his head in the air and avoid the bit. He's now back on 24/7 turnout, regular work and is as happy as larry - you would think he was a retired milkman's horse rather than a 7yr old TB ex racer! Don't know if this is any help but good luck!!!
 
She is being a bit rude to be honest! As Ive just been walking Ive taken off the flash noseband and running martingale so could put these on first. I want to avoid forcing the head down as she needs to lift through her back to help with the sacroiliac problem.

She has had cortisone injections and the vets want her to be cantering in the school in 4 weeks!!! So they can assess the treatment. Unless I can get her trotting sensibly that wont happen!!!

Personally I think she needs to do a lot more walking to get the back lifting but at the same time she is very stiff on one side and struggles to lift through her back!! It isnt really a new issue but now I know the reason for the problems I want to get things right for her.
 
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