Above the bit - four year old

[showqa]

4 year old pony, backed but little else, ridden in a loose ring snaffle, handles from the ground very well, very green under saddle but (worryingly) tendency to be way above the bit, almost as though through fear - don't know much about the background of the pony, but looks to me as though maybe an inappropriate training aid has been used with him - any thoughts please?

 

[Shilasdair]

If he is hollowing, could it be due to his saddle at all? Or maybe he is working for too long, and his back hollows when he tires, thus bringing him above the bit.
I'd try to work him for short periods on a large circle, in walk and trot on the lunge, with a roller and side reins to try to let him find his own outline.
S

 

[0ldmare]

Have you had his teeth checked? At his age his teeth are pretty active still and you might find the bit is catching on one eg wolf tooth

 

[showqa]

Not actually my pony - yet! Everything else about him is really very positive, just mulling this aspect of him over before pursuing it further.