Advice please!

[LouiseG]

Hey folks, just looking for some opinions on my horse. He is 5 now and is coming on a treat in the school, however on the right rein he has started throwing his head around in trot. It’s really exaggerated and I’m fairly sure it’s an evasion (although not sure why he wouldn’t then do it on the left rein) His right rein has newly become his harder rein. His back, teeth, saddle etc all checked recently. He doesn’t do it as much when you really get him focussed and push him on, but on average he probably does it maybe 2 – 3 times on a circuit around the school. Can anyone recommend anything I can do as I don’t want this becoming a habit. Do I tell him off, or ignore it? He is very cheeky and opinionated. Opinions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks very much!

 

[*hic*]

Does he do it out hacking and how much of your time is spent in the school?

 

[Pearlsasinger]

If you are sure that back/teeth/tack (including bridle and bit) are all ok, then I'd get someone to watch you ride, in case you do something on the riht rein which you don't do on the left.
I'd also check the bit very carefully, to make sure that it is not scratched anywhere, which would make it uncomfortable for th horse in certain positions.

 

[Polotash]

I'd say teeth the most likely thing with a 5 year old. When you say recently how recently do you mean? If not in last three months i'd check again...

 

[LouiseG]

At the moment we are in the school for about half an hour to 45 mins maybe 4 times a week doing flatwork, poles or a lesson. I try to hack once per week but it’s difficult in this weather. He doesn’t do it too much on hacks, sometimes he does if he’s a bit excited, but I tend to ride him on the buckle on hacks. He had his teeth done at the end of October. Could it be something that I am doing on the right rein that is irritating him? My instructor hasn't picked up on anything that I'm doing that could be a hindrance and make him throw his head, he thinks it is an evasion?

 

[LouiseG]

Anyone have any suggestions or things I could try?

 

[showpony]

Have you had back & teeth checked??

 

[LouiseG]

Yes teeth, saddle and back all checked last month

 

[Dubsie]

Have you had your back, posture etc checked? Most people are one sided to some degree or other

 

[LouiseG]

I'm much weaker on the right rein, although his canter is much better on the right and so is his walk, I have a lesson tomorrow so I will get my instructor to check my position, I could be blocking him somehow I guess. Thanks for the replies