control help for strong horse who hates poll pressure

[Maddie2412]

We are bringing my exracer back into work after 10 weeks box rest from suspensory ligament damage and poll area muscle damage. We have to ride in walk for 30 mins on alternate days and his head is fine now but he cant b turned out yet and we can hardly get on him (he is VERY high spirited and always has been). He doesn't like poll pressure anyway and so can't use something strong like a gag on him and he doesn't like waterfords. He reared up and launched himself across the yard when being ridden yesterday (just being very sharp, spooking at the dog he sees everyday) we have sedated him and he is currently in a snaffle and grackle with running martingale.


Previously i havent minded his antics but i dont have time to ride him alternate days at the moment (so dont want to put other people at too much risk) and im worried hes going to do more damage does anyone have any ideas?????????

 

[Enfys]

Just a thought here, and it may not be suitable, or possible, but rather than being ridden can he be led from another horse whilst he's coming back into work?

Would something that acts on the nose perhaps help, such as a kineton or a worcester?

 

[YasandCrystal]

How about an English hackamore? Some horses respond really well to bitless and the English hackamore is all about nose pressure and head control. The only bit to really avoid any poll pressure at all is a loose ringed type. I agree with Enfys a kineton could work too.

 

[Enfys]

http://www.williammicklem.com/multibridle-micklembridle.html

This isn't actually what I was looking for, maybe someone else will know what I am wittering about.

It is a bridle where the head piece actually sits further down from the poll ... I know I have seen one mentioned on here ... anyone?

Here it is : http://www.sederholmselected.co.uk/product_p/db1031.htm

 

[Natch]

I like the idea of the micklems never ridden in one.

 

[Natch]

Any chance of doing work from the ground to desensetise him to his poll? Is he ok to lead and have bit pressure in-hand?

 

[Maddie2412]

He is ok in hand, vet told me he must be ridden (we have been leading out in hand every day already and hes worse in company so cant risk leading from another horse) but leading he has to be in chiffeney and even then the other day he reared whipped round and double barreled me catching the side of my helmet and knocking me over! Thought about the mickleham but to be honest hes okay in the bridle (he has a sheepskin under the headpiece) just would like a stronger bit, will def look into the kineton thank you!!