Dealing with 'gobby' horse - thoughts please

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sfward

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Rode a horse (well pony actually) last night which was actually quite nice when it came round and soft, but interjected with bouts of 'gobby-ness' - grabbing hold of the bit, jerking upwards etc, particularly when changing the rein or attempting straight lines! I don't think she has ever been consistently schooled or ridden forwards from the leg, but at the same time i think she does take the p out of her current rider who is fairly inexperienced.
My tactic was to close my hand and ride her firmly forward when she was being horrible, and then soften and allow when she gave and came round and soft. The theory being that she learns that life is more pleasant and comfortable when she goes correctly. This seemed to work relatively well bar a couple of arguments. Would this be your approach to this sort of horse or can anyone suggest any other good tactics?! I don't want to get too 'handy' with her and end up in a battle about her mouth, but I do think you need to ride them through these episodes rather than just sitting there fiddling with the front end and hoping the horse will eventually give in?! She is 7 and a native type, strong physically and I imagine quite strong-willed although I've only sat on her once thus far. Presumably given her age and the fact that her way of going is quite established (in the wrong way unfortunately) it will take a few arguments before she accepts this is the way it's going to be?!
 
All recently. Back being done again this week apparently. She actually feels fairly loose in her back, I would say the problem is in her mouth and is mainly due to lack of schooling and general rudeness! I just wanted some opinions to make sure i was on the right lines in how to approach this sort of problem really. Never have the courage of my convictions! I took a similar approach with a baby horse recently with good results, although I think this horse will take longer as she's older and her bad habit is more ingrained...!
 
Im having exactly the same thing with my young horse at the moment, it's nothing to the point that Im actually worried or that it annoys me but obviously needs to be ironed out.
I have been riding through it as you have been, just keeping him thinking forward and keeping the contact consistent and then softening for a second or two when he softens - it does work, and he is generally lovely and soft to ride. Mine is in need of a visit from the dentist though which really isn't helping matters.
If her back is being done again this week after being done recently then that makes me think it was more than just a routine tweak and there was perhaps more soreness there?? So that might not be helping with her schooling at the moment. Take it from how she is after her next few 'back sessions'
 
Yes I will ask the owner a bit more about the verdicts of the back person and dentist next week. I just sat on the horse for 15 minutes last night as the girl is really struggling with her and I wanted to try and help. She wants me to give her some lessons as she thought the horse went well for me, so it looks like I'm going to be getting a bit more involved in future...
 
I have a very gobby horse can recommend sweet iron bits they do actually work. I find they work in a far nicer contact and tend to argue less with you.
He becomes more gobby if he is tired or he finds something hard. Riding wise you just have to keep going and be really disciplined. I find when they get really gobby bringing them to a halt and starting again really helpful. That way it is really cemented in their minds that they cannot get away with it.
 
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