Becoming overbent- any bit or other suggestions to stop this?

charlie76

charlie76

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My mare has 3 very nice paces and has been going very well. When I took her to dressage at the weekend she was marked down for being over bent. I am aware that she has a tendancy to do this and I have tried all the usual methods to prevent it but she still tries to overbend.

Half halts etc seem to make it worse!

I am currently riding her in a french link cheeked snaffle.

Any ideas?
 
My horse used to do this as a baby, how old is she? I used to give him quite a quick, sharp half halt and then kick him forward into it. I take it that she is quite light in your hand? Sometimes like with my horse it comes with strength. Is she like it in all paces or one or two in particular?
 
when i first got my horse he was always very overbent, because he was weak behind. You need to do lots of hill work (if poss) to build up the muscles behind which will in turn lighten the forehand.

As for schooling, raised trotting poles (as in alternate ends raised) or just trotting poles (at least 4 in a row) will help. Also when you are trotting along ask him to nearly halt, so hishead comes up, then as soon as you feel his head come up immediately push him forwards in the trot. Also walk to canter transitions will get his head up. And trot walk, walk trot transitions - at least 20 all around the arena, then change the rein and do them the other way.
 
I expect you have played around with bits but if not try a mullen mouth (unjointed) snaffle. I have a hanging cheek version which some horses love - I presume they don't like any sort of pinching on the tongue. Might be worth a try.
 
This problem is so difficult to overcome - IMO it's one of the worst to solve as the horse "buries" itself and it's hard to get it to stop - The way we'd handle this is by raising the hands and riding the horse forward, half halt to engage the hind legs and ride forward strongly again - What ever you do - don't change your bit to something that has a poll action - like a hanging snaffle - and try not to let the horse lean on your hands as it overbends - Transitions are the key I think - and riding from your leg to your hand - when you're riding - imagine your reins to be like sticks and push the horse's nose away from you - sounds daft - but it does work!
Good luck
Kate x
 
Ditto H's Mum, this is my horses worst fault and it's really difficult to get him to take the bit forwards.
Lots of transitions and lateral exercises helped the trot and canter loads but I still struggle with the walk ...
 
Hi Kate
Would the same advice apply (yours and P_G's) to a horse who can be on the forehand. I had posted in comp riders about this yesterday??

Fiona
 
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