Head relaxing for an excited thoroughbred

[EHan]

Hi all,
I’m new to the forum world and have just started working with an OTTB. She is a quiet little lady at the walk, having a relaxed low head however anytime I ask for more forward motions, her head pops up and I lose contact with her mouth. I’ve tried using give and take pressure and creating a v with my hands but she just seems to resist it all. Any tips for exercises to work on relaxing and bringing her onto the bit? Thanks!

 

[tallyho!]

Hi EHan... welcome! How long have you had your little lady? How long off the track/in work?

 

[AmyMay]

Elf on a Shelf is your lady for advice on this.

 

[be positive]

One thing at a time is required here, she cannot learn to 'go on the bit' until she is relaxed and swinging along in a rhythm using her back properly so forget where her head is, as long as you are in control, and think of what the rest of her body is doing while she learns to use herself in a different way, you can still ask a little more in walk so she is gradually accepting the contact but remember that when in training for racing tightening the reins/ shortening them meant faster work, dropping the hands meant slow down so it will take a while for her to alter that mindset.
Some groundwork is always useful in the early stages and should be used as you would with any young horse.

 

[ycbm]

There is something in your writing which makes me wonder if you are US and retraining this horse to Western riding? I have a friend who does western and the head carriage is very different. Could you explain a bit about what you are trying to do with her?
.

 

[Pony_56]

You need to make sure that your hands are comepletly still and you are calm and relaxed. I also recommend lunging your horse in a canter to get them used to the feeling.

hope that help....

 

[J&S]

Scratch along the side of her neck when she brings her head up.