Blocking on one rein

[MileyMouse]

My gelding blocks alot on the right rein. Does anybody have any useful tips/exercises to help unblock and not take a hold?

On my instructors advice I have been making sure I pick up the left rein contact first, then the right and have been doing some shoulder in and leg yielding which does help , but I am still getting a very sore arm !

 

[Ravenwood]

My mare was doing this, but after having her teeth done she was fine and the problem didn't reoccur.

 

[MileyMouse]

Forgot to mention that teeth been checked, saddler been out and had an osteopath visit!

 

[Sol]

My gelding did - and still does - this. Even after having his teeth done

I think it's become a bit of a habit now :/
However, I have solved the sore arm problem! I just no longer agree to take as much of a hold as he likes. If he wants to hang onto the bit, fine! but I wont pull against him. If I need to use my right rein for bend, I bring my hand out wide (keeping the same light contact) to direct him. I started off by regularly putting my right hand forward so there was nothing for him to lean on, and now only have to tweak my hand occasionally as he's become more consistent.
Turn on the haunches also helped!

He still purposely wont take a left contact though, the bugger

 

[MileyMouse]

"However, I have solved the sore arm problem! I just no longer agree to take as much of a hold as he likes. If he wants to hang onto the bit, fine! but I wont pull against him. If I need to use my right rein for bend, I bring my hand out wide (keeping the same light contact) to direct him. I started off by regularly putting my right hand forward so there was nothing for him to lean on, and now only have to tweak my hand occasionally as he's become more consistent.
Turn on the haunches also helped!"

Thank you, I will give that a try!

"He still purposely wont take a left contact though, the bugger

"

Funnily enough I have that problem too!

 

[Sol]

haha, if we come across a miracle cure, I'll let you know

I found he was a little more even after hacking out today, by the end of the ride he was more willing to take up the left contact... might be a starting point?