Getting my mare to hold her head nicely....

[Fionafaye]

I want 4yo my mare to have a nice outline. A the moment she uses her back end but doesn't hold her head vertically. Does is just come with time or is there a technique to get her to do it?

this is her at the moment:
http://s835.photobucket.com/albums/zz271/Luckylady94/?action=view&current=stuff052.jpg

 

[BSJAlove]

she looks slightly on the forehand. i would suggest lots of side ways work to get her moving from your leg and to get her flexing a bit more. then work on a 15m circle and do trot canter walk transitions to get her engaging her bottom and with an even contact, she should come to work properly on her own.

good luck

 

[Fionafaye]

Thanks. I will try that.

 

[bu_apple]

As a 4 year old i would prefer her to be working long and low than up high and on the bit. I think they should be working along their back and by stretching and seeking a contact long and low it helps to strengthen their backs and carry you properly, as well as increase top line. Just encourage with (soft wide) hands to get her longer and lower. As she gets older and builds the strength to carry herself she will learn to lift through the shoulders and will be able to work on the bit more. I wouldn't worry about it too much at this stage.

 

[Fionafaye]

Well it is for the dressage phase of eventing but I have a year until I aim to start eventing with her so have plenty of time and I will only be doing Intro tests until then. Thanks bu_apple.

 

[PoppyAnderson]

Have a read through this thread on HorseGossip http://horsegossip.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=26775

 

[saddlesore]

Doubt you would get marked down for not being round at that level. They would rather see a horse work in a relaxed, consistent manner by a quiet rider (not suggesting your not btw!). I also have a 4yo and i think they need to learn forwards, balance, rhythm etc before worrying about anything like that.