Bringing horses head... up

JavaJaneW

JavaJaneW

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As title really. How do you bring a horses head up?
Pony (14hh Connemara x) pins his head to his chest once mounted, I mean really deep into himself.
He is strong, came with sweet iron copper tom thumb and a curved snaffle, he is hard to stop. (read that as impossible in a school/fenced area, better out hacking) Trying to encourage him to lift his head and be more responsive, so would like some ideas, please?
 
My cob does this some times, al though I'm no expert.

My instructor said to lift my hands very, very slightly and keep even pressure (not pulling just so he knows I'm there) untill he softens then for me to soften. He also gets hold of the bit sometimes and goes right down, in this case I squeze the reins then release them so he has nothing to pull on, both work well for him.
 
picolenicole said:
My cob does this some times, al though I'm no expert.

My instructor said to lift my hands very, very slightly and keep even pressure (not pulling just so he knows I'm there) untill he softens then for me to soften. He also gets hold of the bit sometimes and goes right down, in this case I squeze the reins then release them so he has nothing to pull on, both work well for him.
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Thanks. He just doesn't soften, he has his head almost in a Rolkur way, even with loose reins. It's an immediate reaction, walking, ok, stretches out, but in trot, head pinned in. I don't know how he breathes :(
 
One of ours was a little like this when we got him - we think he'd been ridden in draw reins a lot - as he'd always have his head tucked in (especially in trot) and often dropped right behind the contact to charge off with you. We found lots of circles, lateral work and transitions got him working from behind more (as opposed to pulling himself along from the front) and consequently encouraged him forwards and down in front. My sister, who mainly rides him, also worked alot on relaxing her seat, slowing rise etc so she didn't have to take much of a contact (as he'd just drop behind this). Voice commands can be useful as well.

Circles are definitely your friend! Our most used exercise whenever he got on the forehand or started charging off was spiralling in and out on a circle - gets him concentrating and working from behind more.

The main problem with our lad was that he wanted to do everything at top speed - mainly out of laziness (easier than using himself properly) although partly because he is naturally excitable/exuberant. Now that he's more relaxed and working properly from behind he's actually starting to reach forwards for the contact and is listening to rein aids more without automatically resisting. It took about 6 months for the basis of this to 'click' with him and after two years (with breaks over winter as we have no facilities!) he's now going really nicely and is very consistent in his work - although we still have the odd 'moment'!

I think things like this are often a case of finding what works for you and your horse - there isn't a quick fix and lessons can be a good idea. Not sure how much use this will have been (and apologies for rambling on!) but there is a way through it even if it takes a while!
 
Thanks :) Very helpful yes. We have been doing lots of circles and transitions, and like yours, he will bolt off. It will take time I guess, and I think hacking is best for him just now, as in any fenced area he is wound up :)
 
It sounds like he has been broken in very badly by forcing an unatural outline. Also probably bitted wrong. This is so sad and so common causing lots of problems for the horse and rider. Did you say he bolts? He probably drops behind the contact. Sounds like he needs starting again from the ground. How old is he? he may be a danger if this isn't sorted out. Why is he wild in fenced areas? Usually the other way round with open spaces! Also most people want to bring a horses head down not up lol
 
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