Help - not sure what to have called the usual people

[cheekywelshie]

A few weeks ago Jet started snatching at the bit, now it’s gotten really bad - he’s pulling me out of the saddle right down his neck. I only need to touch the rein and he does it. He only does it in halt and walk. He is fine in trot and canter! I am at a loss.
The dentist came out a month ago - I’ve called them again. The bit is the same I’ve been using for years, I rode bareback and he still did it. I’ve contacted a saddler and a bit specialist and trying to get hold of a physio. Any ideas?? He yanks so hard I’m thinking of just lunging in a cavesson or hacking on the buckle. When I take up a contact for trot he is fine. I’ve fly sprayed, washed etc every day. There’s obviously something but I don’t know who to talk to - vet? And why in walk and halt and not trot and canter…

 

[Birker2020]

A few weeks ago Jet started snatching at the bit, now it’s gotten really bad - he’s pulling me out of the saddle right down his neck. I only need to touch the rein and he does it. He only does it in halt and walk. He is fine in trot and canter! I am at a loss.
The dentist came out a month ago - I’ve called them again. The bit is the same I’ve been using for years, I rode bareback and he still did it. I’ve contacted a saddler and a bit specialist and trying to get hold of a physio. Any ideas?? He yanks so hard I’m thinking of just lunging in a cavesson or hacking on the buckle. When I take up a contact for trot he is fine. I’ve fly sprayed, washed etc every day. There’s obviously something but I don’t know who to talk to - vet? And why in walk and halt and not trot and canter…

Walk and halt use a different set of muscle groups so there might be something physically wrong, maybe his neck muscles are sore or something? It could be anything so a physio will guide you and provide you with some exercises to do too.

When my boy went on sales livery the rider found he was resistant in halt and walk and would start planting but as soon as he sent him forwards he was fine, and would canter all day long in a fast but balanced forward canter.

I think I'd stop riding for now and consult the physio, there is a register of physios on this website.

https://www.acpat.org/find-acpat-physio

 

[cheekywelshie]

Thanks - physio is on my list I’ll take a look. He is fine on the lunge though in walk but I guess contactcos different

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Is your bit literally one that you have been using for years? I would check it carefully for any blemishes, scratches etc, which could be making the bit rough and uncomfortable.

 

[dorsetladette]

When he does it what do you do to correct the behaviour?

 

[SEL]

Saddle pinching on withers for one of mine caused all kinds of head snaking. In trot the head stayed still but she wasn't really moving forward properly.

 

[maya2008]

Pollen allergy? Try a nose net?

 

[Barton Bounty]

Pollen allergy? Try a nose net?

Totally agree….
My friends horse uses a nose net and it was a game changer.