Help - I think I need gadgets!

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amzy

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I have had my 5 year old gelding for 3 months now and have now mastered getting a bit into his mouth
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It's a straight bar Happy Mouth but now I have other problems with stopping when he is adamant that he's going back home to his girlfriend. He raises his head high up, opens his mouth and sticks his tongue out to the side and carries on. If he does manage to stand still for a mo, he paws the ground. Luckily, he doesn't try and rear or anything but I do need him to listen to me. His neck has far too much muscle on the underside which makes me think he has done this for a long time - so what would you recommend?
 
Have you tried a flash when my youngster started opening his mouth I put one on and problem solved, although I managed to nip it in the bud very quickly.
 
I would use a martigale to stop him putting his head up and either a flash or grackle to stop him opening his mouth, does he put his tongue over the bit or just out?
 
He just sticks his tongue out for some reason. This may sound silly but would using a martingale or flash make him rebel even more? He really is very strong-willed and I wouldn't want him to start trying new tricks. To me, these would be the answer but just feeling a little cautious.
 
Happy mouths can be quite thick. Have you considered a sweet iron snaffle with a copper inlay? It does help get them on the bit as they mouth more and enjoy the taste. I'd also teach him reverse and ask him to do this when he try's to poke his head up, basically make it hard work for him when he starts messing. I really dislike martingales and he seems rather young to start sticking gadgets on to solve problems.
Its quite normal for a 5 year old to push the boundaries and you just need to work a bit longer with him.
 
I was wondering about the bit too. I need to get a full cheek to help with the steering so I'll go for a sweet iron with a lozenge I think. I'm now wondering whether he's actually been schooled as he's a cob x and only ever done hacking. I'll try the new bit first and see how we go.
 
Do lots of long and low work i did with my 4 yr old and she soon built up topline. I also had the same problem with her sticking her tounge out and throwing her head up. I put on a martingale and a flash as she concentrates alot more and works better.
 
How infuriating!! My TB mare had similar issues when I first bought her, not quite as bad though. I also used a straight happy mouth snaffle with a grackle and did lots and lots of schooling. Once she stopped evading the bit my instructor introduced me to the Harbridge. I would school in it 2-3 times a week initially and it worked wonders. It helped encourage my mare to accept the bit and in turn helped to correct the muscle distribution in her neck and throughout generally. It was the best thing i ever bought. Im not saying it will cure all your problems but it may help refine your horse once youve established some basics.
 
I don't beleive in gadgets personally, he's only 5. You go down that route that early and thats it for life. Sounds more like a lack of confidence to me! I've had my horse (v.v. stuburn sec D) since he was 2 and we've had some terrible probs in the past, but we persevered and he turned out good in the end, he was a dream to break and fine if you stayed in his comfort zone but push him and you new about it. He's never worn more that a saddle briddle and boots. I'd say very positive riding maybe even try leading him at first, my horse was always alot more confident in new situations if i was on the ground. Praise and reassure him as much as poss, remember horses can't rationalise, they can learn doing a certain thing can equal something else but they can't think 'oo if i scare her enough i can go home' sounds to me like he is geuinely scared and needs your help to put his mind at rest. Can someone else ride out with you? Once he's got he's confidence like that try riding on your own. Like someone said before me usng gadgets will give him more to complain about! Also make rides out fun, if you don't enjoy it nor will he. Think possitive, i'm sure they know!!! Good luck
 
I have been leading him out but he's no better when he's out of his comfort zone. I don't ride him far yet and always praise him when he relaxes or co-operates. I have no-one to ride out with at the moment as the yard is very quiet. He is a lot better when the mare isn't calling him and I think that is most of the problem tbh. When we get our school at least I'll be able to work him in a safe environment and hopefully get our confidence together.
 
I'd feed from the floor at all times. Tugging at a haynet tied up develops the muscles under the neck your talking about. Try a different bit if hes a cob it could be that the mouth piece is too big for him as some have very small fleshy mouths. When he does this push him forward and positivly and be firm. You could try a martingale but I wouldn't. Expect fireworks but once you ride him through it he will learn that you wont let him do what he wants.
 
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