Any tips?

[ghosthooves]

I've been having a few issues with the mare I ride at my RS, with most things we're fine, but there are a couple of things that we're having problems with.

In trot and canter we're fine (brakes need a little fine tuning but we're definitely getting better

) but in walk sometimes she puts her head down so her nose is almost touching the ground and walks along like that for a few steps. I wouldn't mind but she speeds up her walk when she does so and cuts off corners quite badly (I ride her the school) and sometimes walks right into the back of the other horses. I've tried squeezing her a little with my legs to ask her to walk on and also squeezing and relaxing the reins when she does this to ask her to raise her head but this doesn't have much effect

RI tells me not to let her snatch the reins but this is easier said than done, and I don't like pulling her up hard

Another issue I've been having with her is when I ask her to rein back or just take half a step back to correct her halt. When I ask her to do this she goes quite hard in the mouth, like she's leaning on the bit. The majority of the time she's very soft in the mouth and very responsive to my aids, and seems quite happy with the other exercises I've done with her.

She's a little green as she's still quite young and she's ridden in an eggbutt snaffle.

Anyone have any ideas of how to resolve these problems?

 

[ghosthooves]

Ooh and out of interest what showing classes can arabs enter?

 

[Shilasdair]

I know nothing, but I'll have a go anyway.
The walk thing - sounds like she starts to stretch her back muscles (young horses tire really quickly) by putting her head/nose down. This then tips her weight onto her forehand...she loses balance, starts to rush in the walk (ever had that 'running downhill' feeling). If you take the rein she leans on it to try to get herself back up/balanced.
I suggest that she needs to sort this by engaging her hind legs under her, getting her weight back off her forehand. So use a firm leg aid, while leaving the rein contact still. Use a firm enough aid to send her into trot if necessary - anything as long as she gets her hind end working. Once she is going forward again, half halt her (close the legs, still the seat, and then gently hold in the hand) to rebalance her.
It may all feel a bit crude at first, but should work.
Rein back - you need to think about riding her forwards into a restraining hand - your legs need to be active, but your hand soft and still to prevent her taking a forward step. Be careful you are not tightening your arm/shoulder/mentally thinking of 'pulling her back'
As for showing arabs - no idea at all, sorry!
Hope this helps
S