Desperately seeking advice......

[cob1]

My new cob has recently started to throw his head about, especailly when hacking (rather large head and strong neck so can get a bit hairy!). It seems to be the flies - im trying coopers fly repellent and a nose net, but has anyone got any other suggestions?

I do push him into trot and he doesnt do it as much - but i cant trot everywhere!!

 

[Shilasdair]

Could you use some form of fly mask (check to see it doesn't affect his vision) or fly fringe when you go out?
S

 

[cob1]

oooo yes.... i forgot about those!

 

[vhf]

If he doesn't like the flies near his ears, maybe one of those fringes with ear muffs the showjumpers wear??
And until you sort it, maybe a standing martingale set long (so it won't affect him unless his head is in an un-natural position upwards, but not so long he gets a leg over it if stretching downwards) so if he really flings his head, he doesn't accidentally break your nose or give you a black eye...

 

[Shilasdair]

How about;
http://www.equilibriumproducts.com/fly_protection/net_reliefreg_riding_mask/

Or there's a 'Crusader' one which is similar....
http://www.dressageonabudget.co.uk/horse_fly_masks.php

Hope this helps a bit. I also use Autan human fly repellent on my horses - it seems to work quite well without either irritating them or being greasy (I use the roll up stick one).
S

 

[Kallibear]

Two things def worth checking are his saddle fit (and back) and his teeth. Both can cause quite severe head shaking. If you've not had him long you don't know if this is a 'new' thing, ir something he's done before, so you need to rule out all possible causes.

 

[cob1]

Had teeth done when it first started and saddle has just been proffessionally fitted!

 

[Shilasdair]

Forgot to say - check bit height - sometimes if it is too low, too high, horses throw their heads around.
S

 

[dwi]

I've just bought a cashel quiet ride mask and it works really well while being clear enough for the horse to see through easily