Giraffe horse!!!

FestiveFuzz

FestiveFuzz

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Ok, before I got my mare I was told she is a typical red head but only recently has she shown this side of her. On a couple of occassions she has been quite nappy and tends to just stick her head in the air and run. If she doesn't get her own way she throws herself about. Obviously on bridleways this is not a big issue but when hacking on the road it is an absolute nightmare.

So has anyone got any suggestions of any tack that might stop this giraffe-like behaviour???

She is currently ridden in a 3 ring snaffle and thats it.

Thanks in advance
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It could be because the horse is uncomfortable. Before buying anything, get the physio to look at her, paying particular attention to the back/neck/poll. Also get the teeth floated... then go to the tack shop.
 
hey there,

Have already done all the various checks
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was thinking perhaps a standing martingale might be worth a try?
 
Standing martingale is a bit severe!

How do you react when she does this?

What kind of gag are you using? Is it a single jointed snaffle? How are you using the gag?

Can be any number of things that are making her behave like this!
 
Have you had her saddle checked? Does she nap in all paces or is it in trot, canter? The saddle may be pinching her but then again, it might not be! If she is OK health wise, I would try a running martingale as they give you a 'mouth' when the horse sticks its head up above the point where you have control. Does she nap when you hack in company/alone? Napping is usually insecurity but if this has only just started happening, I would look at previous situations that may have upset her. Good luck - keep us posted
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Sometimes the nutcracker action of a bit can cause the horse severe pain on the roof of the mouth and therefore it may be worth while trying a straight or double jointed (french link etc) bit. From what you describe it does sound like she's trying to 'get away' from something so best to rule out all things that could be causing discomfort.

If it is just naughtiness then a standing martingale may work but you have to make sure it is correctly fitted so only comes into play when her head throws up. My sister's horse did a similar thing when we first had him - we tried a running martingale but he reacted badly to that as it put more pressure on his reins and mouth so switching to a standing helped although we also did change him to a straight bar happy mouth as in the end we think his problem actually came down to dislike of the nutcracker action.
 
This is why I ask the question about the bit.

I changed my mare to a happy mouth roller centre and the change is amazing.

I also find a lot of people back off their horse when they misbehave and if it is just that, you're better to ride through it. Also if she is lacking in confidence you're better to keep your leg on her, letting her know you're there than to try and stop her throwing her head about.

How is she in the school, does she exhibit this behaviour too?
 
CracklinRosie, why do you say a standing matingale is severe? If it is adjusted properly it should only come into play if the horse lifts it's head too far. It attaches to the noseband, too, so it means the horse doesn't get pulled in the mouth.
 
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