Exercises for new horse

[ruby92]

So basically I've brought an ex racehorse 9yrs old been out of racing 3 years .. when ridden he sticks his head up then will drop for a few strides then up again, he's had teeth and back checked new saddle etc his previous owner has said that he's never been shown how to maintain in the contact.. can anyone give me any pointers or exercises to do with him I don't want to bore him with the same thing over and over he was sold as a fun horse but I'm one that feels more in control if I have a horse on a contact.. I know many would disagree
Thank you ?

 

[Flowerofthefen]

Unfortunately as he hasnt yet been reschooled his muscles won't be strong enough yet to maintain a contact for any length of time. Find yourself a sympathetic trainer . Don't rush a horse like this. There are lots of exercises in walk you can do to get him gently bending and realising what a contact is. Walking over raised poles will help build up muscles over his back and hind quarters so he is able to carry a rider better and so maintain a better shape. It will take as long as it takes. Plenty of hacking and when he is forward just start asking lightly that he maintains a shape for a few strides and build up slowly.

 

[ruby92]

Thank you