evading contact by large nods of head to floor

Achinghips

Achinghips

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and thereby wrecking my hands, even with gloves - defo not tack/pollen/headshake, this one is sheer naughtiness, btw.
Any thoughts/ideas for me?
 
Are you absolutely sure the bit is suitable? Hidden wolf teeth (not erupted)?

Otherwise i would say its because of the contact (rider)- he is complaining about something!
 
Ridden in frenchlink lozenge, super sensitive Tb. Yep, saw dentist 3 weeks ago, wolf teeth removed some years ago, and forgot to add, my BHS instructor is superb and takes mare for schooling also. She has suggested getting ned used to corrective taps on shoulder with crop to stop the snatching (11 year old Mare has only been riddden with this level of contact in last 2 months, kept as a big pet in previous home). Horse mainly ridden in instructor supported lessons, so it's defo not me.
Wot we think?
 
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Yes, I agree, mare is evading/complaining. This is because she's not used to contact, hence original question.
Any ideas?
 
i would say back off the contact, whatever level you are currently using is obviously too much for the horse. Also, if you are now asking her to engage/use herself more she may be pulling down because she is physically unable to carry herself.

I would take a step back and not ask quite so much of the horse. Whatever your view is of what she should be able to do she is obviously disagreeing, so take her at a level she is more comfortable with. You must not be tempted to pull back but just work on her balance, strength and self carriage and let the contact come over time. If you carry on as you are you will end up with really bad issues as the tissues in her mouth will get damaged. Its obviously just new to her and will take time for her to build physical strength and knowledge

Interesting reading-

http://www.equestrianvaulting.com.au/documents/WSetalReinTension2.pdf
http://www.ivis.org/proceedings/AAEP/2002/910102000458.pdf
http://www.bitlessbridle.co.uk/fear-of-the-bit.php

The last link s very anti bit but it does provide some really interesting info and does make you think about a few things
 
If you have only had her 2 months... thats not long at all to be expected to carry itself. I would take a step back. Ditto above post.
 
Fab - I think you're right, I AM asking a bit much of her, and it is such hard work to flex when she's never been ridden like this before - she still has yet to develop muscles and might be cramping. Shall look at those links now.
Thanks:)
 
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