hacking help pls!

G

gemmahodgkinson

Well-Known Member
Joined
28 June 2007
Messages
217
Location
staffs
Visit site
I'd love some advice about head shaking when hacking because it is driving me mad! for the first half of our normal circular route, my girl is very well behaved. but, about half way round she starts snatching the reins and throwing her head around. i dont think it is head shaking as she doesnt shake it exactly, more just snatches her head down. she doesn't hot up or start jogging or anything so i dont think it's excitement about coming home?? is it just bad manners because she wants to have her head to herself and wants to be ridden on the buckle all the way round, or boredom with hacking (we only hack once or twice a week?!? any ideas on how to stop it either? her back teeth are all checked regularly and she would not dream of doing it in the school!
Thanks!
x
 
not really and that's whats annoying me, i think she is just being stroppy but i dont want to sock her in the mouth or anything to tell her off! she takes the contact really nicely in the school so i cant understand her on hacks? she is 5 if that is any help??
 
Have you check the saddle fitting and also the bridle? My sister's horse used to flip out going down hills when we first got him. We realised the saddle did not fit him properly he was only 4 and changing shape) and was moving forwards and pinching his withers. Also, his browband was a bit tight (he would start shaking his ears part way round a ride) so we bought him a new one and with that and the new saddle he seems a lot happier.

Sounds like your tack could be giving her some gip - they can pull their heads down to relieve pain in their back (like they're trying to stretch to find a way to ease it) and if only towards the end of the ride it could be the saddle pressure is just getting too much for her by then. Check it is not too low or pinching anywhere.
 
My TB mare also does this, half way round the ride (earlier if fresh) but she jogs with it. The more you try to stop it the worse she gets and will either rear or canter on the spot if you use too much pressure on her mouth. She has been ridden in loads of different types of bit, different widths of saddle, had a 'bit seat' put in her mouth by the dentist, had her back checked and still is the same. Have you ever noticed if your horse does this in the field whilst running loose? My mare does, she snatches her head about whilst trotting and cantering round the field. Probably the only time she doesn't do it is when given a good gallop!! So as she is now 17 I have resigned myself to the fact that this is probably just 'her' and how she is particularly when fresh. I was considering getting a Dr Cook bitless as they claim to help with this kind of thing..still considering one on the 30 day trial they do just to see if it does make a bit of difference.
 
We use a Dr Cook bitless as Ellie was refusing to accept contact with the bit and putting her head up etc and refusing to brake after a canter/gallop. The difference is amazing. She is much calmer and we have more control as there is nothing in her mouth for her to evade. The bitted bridle will still be used from time to time as she still competes occasionally
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top