Advice really needed please

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SAL66

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I went to ride again the horse that I am interested in, groomed him, tacked him up acted a perfect gentleman, schooled him in the field and again fine, went out for a hack great in traffic, cantered on the verges great didn't pull and stopped when asked, the only problem he has is pulling down on the bit, he puts his head down on occasions quite low sometimesisn't happy with the bit when he does this I put my leg on and try to push him on using his backend more and this does help, I just don't want to keep pulling him up with my hands, but he does feel quite heavy.
My question is can this be corrected by more schooling as his top line does need improving, would a change of bit be needed, I am only going to be hacking out and having lessons on him once a week, but there is some one else looking at him on Saturday , so really have to start thinking what to do, I don't want to miss the chance of buying him if the problem can be improved, but on the other hand don't want to make a mistake and buy the wrong one.
The current owner says that he does it more if he can get away with it and needs to be told No, and that I need to ride a little stronger with him.

i just don't know what to do.

by the way he's 12 years old
 
You obviously like him a lot and get on well - you'll never get the best out of each other while you're still strangers. And let's face it - if we didn't improve with lessons, what would be the point of having them?
To be honest you won't know how much you can improve him until you start to try, and to do that you'd have to either get him on loan, on trial, or take a risk. A good and thorough vetting might identify any real "no-no's" and some pointers to check out - such as teeth.
Consider your gut feeling - about him and very importantly about his owner. And how many others you've tried.
 
If he is super in every way except the leaning, then that is no reason not to buy him I dont think, if thats what you are intending to do?

A change in bit, to perhaps a Waterford, could make a huge difference, but the most impostant thing will be schooling and making sure he is listening to you.

My 18yr old does the same when he is feeling lazy or bored, he can actually get to the stage where he will trip over his own feet he gets so lazy, if I dont keep on top of him.

You can school him yourself, lots of transitions, make it interesting, get him working from behind, which will also improve his topline no end.

12 is no age.
 
Vhf- I've tried lots and he seems lovely in every way but this leaning, I would get a 5* vetting anyway and I know that there is no such thing as a perfect horse but just need to know that hopefully in time we can improve this.
 
My mare does the same in canter with others, she doesn't lean but more tucks head down and round, I can stop her just makes you feel a little insecure if she was to spook or drop a shoulder etc. I beleive a different bit may help, so will regulat lessons and building up a rel
 
St - Bernard, thanks I am just wondering if he might need his teeth looking at as well, he was originally ridden in a snaffle and now does have a waterford with a flash nose band.I will just need to ride him regulary and school him as I don't think he has done that much for a while as he is a little overweight.
 
Ask the vet to have a look at his teeth too, he should be able to spot any obvious problems.

When we got Beau he would chomp at the bit opening and closing his mouth, he has been much better since having his teeth done. Perhaps find out from the owner the last time he had them done?
 
Samp yes your right having a one to one would definately help and my friend is a qualified dressage instructer who competes all over the country so hopefully she can help me with schooling .
 
St Bernard- the owner has had him since March, apparently she wanted him for jumping but is only confortable jumping around 3ft mark , he has not had his teeth done with her and not sure when last, so yes if i buy him, teeth defo will be getting checked.
 
Well at least if you can rule that out then you can concentrate on his schooling.

Lance is sometimes so bad its a wonder he doesnt scrape the skin off his nose onto the road! But that is My fault when Im in my own world too, hacking on a long rein and not paying attention.

Lance is in a Cheltenham Gag as he can be strong, but his leaning is def laziness!

Was he leaning all the way or just when he got bored/tired?
 
There you go then - that is the problem - he's lazy and unfit which is making him lean and go on the forehand. My 16yro is learning to carry himself better, so if he can a 12yro can!

Is this the only thing you are worried about? You do seem to be panicking rather! (When I bought my youngester last year I was practically having a breakdown over the decision! Needless to say, a year on and she is heavenly!)
 
There are as many reasons as solutions for leaning. Some are medical, some are tack related, some rider, some schooling - and I bet many a combination!
Years ago I solved a leaner by hacking once in a copper roller - he never did it again! I don't imagine that happens very often though.
A lot of horses will lean on you if they don't feel enough coming from your seat and legs - but of course his feeling of "enough" depends a lot on the other people who've ridden him.
Without going back again with an experienced person who knows how you ride to watch you on him, (and you watching him with them?) it's just going to be a case of trying to decide whether it's worth going for it or waiting for your perfect partner to turn up. Buying's always such a risky business!
Good luck.
 
No he wasn't leaning all the way round just on occasions and when I put my leg on he improved, he does it with owner but not as much so i probably didn't help.
 
OrangeyEmpire, yes this is really the only thing I am worried about although he does have a rocking horse canter!

I suppose I am panicking as I don't want or tbh can't afford to get it wrong, I have been out of the saddle for a few years and have been having private lessons the last 6 months
to improve my riding which i know needs improvng and will continue with lessons on my horse when I buy.
 
It is very scary making this kind of decision and you are right to be thinking it through thoroughly. No horse is ever going to be perfect, you just have to decide which imperfections you can live with. If you want a horse with all the potential to be great with time and work, he could be the one. If you need something more ready-made, he's probably not right. Personally I love that bond you develop by learning together tho!

What does your gut instinct tell you?
 
Mu gut instinct say's yes then no, but that's just me i'm so indesicive(sp) that I miss them then kick myself, i've seen plenty that were a no straight off, and I liked the look of him more or less straight away.

He's on horsemart ad ref HM725HDF4.
 
HE'S ORANGE!!!!! what more could you want!?!

But seriously, he looks a really nice type, well built and pretty good conformation. Very handsome chap. Honestly if all you are worried about is the leaning, I'd calm down and go with how you felt handling him and riding him.

If you have the time and money for regular lessons, he'll soon learn. He looks like he's been taught to make an outline at somepoint so even if he is fat and lazy at the mo, he'll remember soon enough.

Close your eyes and picture yourself riding him once you've got him home. Is that a happy fun picture? If yes, there is your answer.
Good luck, whichever you decide! Either way, it's not the end of the world!
 
Thanks Orangey Empire and St_Bernard I really appreciate your comments, and yes he is a good looking chap, I will let you know what happens and if he passes his vetting!!
 
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