Haed shaking/tossing in canter

[daydreamer]

Hi,

I wondered if anyone could suggest any exercises to try and help prevent head tossing? It is a horse I have just started riding, he doesn't do it in walk and trot although he is most comfortable with a fairly light contact. He quite often tosses his head in downwards transitions or when he is being asked to do something he doesn't want to like lateral work. But he is worst in canter, he throws his head up and down and won't settle at all. I tried riding in a light seat but that didn't make any difference. I suspect it is habitual rather than due to pollen etc but I could be wrong!

Bearing in mind it isn't my horse so I can't change that much are there any exercises anyone can suggest that might help?

Thanks.

 

[skewby]

Probably no use at all, but just in case...friend of mine had this problem, she took the flash strap off. All was fixed! x

 

[teddyt]

Could be the bit, teeth, noseband, saddle or rider. Just because it doesnt show in all paces doest mean its just a schooling issue. You have to rule all these out first then practise and it will take more than just a couple of sessions if the behaviour is long standing. Does the horse shake its head when canterin without tack or the rider?

 

[daydreamer]

Thanks for the suggestions, I haven’t seen him on the lunge so don’t know what he is like with no tack/rider, that is something I could do next time. I know he does it with other riders so it isn’t just me. Obviously I suspected bit/saddle etc but can’t check them as it isn’t my horse :-/ I have ridden him in two different bits and he does it in both. I will try removing the flash strap and see if that helps.

 

[daydreamer]

Thought I would post a quick update on this (doubt anyone is very interested but nevermind). The head tossing has been much reduced recently and I have even had some canter without any head shaking using one bridle. Tonight I tried the other bridle and the head tossing was back so I think it may have been the bit. I also bought a nose net and have tried that, I think that has helped too as there is definitely some dust/pollen allergy.