Help please! Is there a training aid that could help us??

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Racing_Gal

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Ive just started schooling a new pony, she likes to go with her head really low, she uses her back end well but I need to get her to 'sit up' more if that makes sense?! She's not very fit yet and I think its just easier for her to work low so thats the way she likes it but I want to stop her going like this before she thinks its the norm! I've been looking for a training aid that could help but cant find one, they all seem to make them work with their head low. I dont like using training aids and would probably only use it a few times, I think once she gets the idea and builds up the right muscles we'll be fine. she's in a snaffle which I'd like to keep her in if poss.

I have a video of her schooling if anyone would like to see it, not very good at explaining things :D
 
I think you will find as she gets fitter the head will come up - having the head long and low builds up good back muscles, so I wouldn't worry

You *could* use a pessoa, but I think this will ultimately hollow her, so not a big fan!
 
Racing_Gal said:
Ive just started schooling a new pony, she likes to go with her head really low, she uses her back end well but I need to get her to 'sit up' more if that makes sense?! She's not very fit yet and I think its just easier for her to work low so thats the way she likes it but I want to stop her going like this before she thinks its the norm! I've been looking for a training aid that could help but cant find one, they all seem to make them work with their head low. I dont like using training aids and would probably only use it a few times, I think once she gets the idea and builds up the right muscles we'll be fine. she's in a snaffle which I'd like to keep her in if poss.

I have a video of her schooling if anyone would like to see it, not very good at explaining things :D
Click to expand...

A decent rider?
An instructor?
There are no quick fixes to lift a horse in front - if you force her up you'll get tension/problems elsewhere. Be patient.
S :D
 
Have you tried giving a gentle pull on one rein when she goes too low, to remind her to keep herself in a higher frame? I had to do this with my gelding who liked to duck behind the vertical and go too low, now he's in a much better, upright frame with his head on the vertical :)
 
Racing_Gal said:
Ive just started schooling a new pony, she likes to go with her head really low, she uses her back end well but I need to get her to 'sit up' more if that makes sense?! She's not very fit yet and I think its just easier for her to work low so thats the way she likes it but I want to stop her going like this before she thinks its the norm! I've been looking for a training aid that could help but cant find one, they all seem to make them work with their head low. I dont like using training aids and would probably only use it a few times, I think once she gets the idea and builds up the right muscles we'll be fine. she's in a snaffle which I'd like to keep her in if poss.

I have a video of her schooling if anyone would like to see it, not very good at explaining things :D
Click to expand...
Firstly make sure there is no other fault going on i.e teeth or ill fitting saddle or not liking bit.
Try a happy mouth double jointed bit, might help. I would have some lesson's where an instructor will work with you & the horse. Sounds like she needs a lot of leg from you to help balance her, keep a light contact, especially on the inside rein, strongs squeezes from your lower leg with help her to work from behind & eventually she will balance out & bring the head in line, it will all come in time with schooling, I should not worry, better to have a lower head carriage than a high one where the back is always hollow.
A Pessoa does make them work from behind & pushes them along rather that pull them into an outline, if used correctly.
Even when hacking out, try schooling her by pushing her along with your leg, just keep the contact light, you don't need her to start leaning on your hands which could happen.
Good Luck!
 
I 'drop' a rein when Beau used to lean low on my hands, by removing what she is leaning on she has to pick herself up, she doesn;t do it anymore,
 
my arab x went much the same way, I lift my hands more when i'm schooling her, Just a little and really ride her forward. I've used the LUNGIE BUNGIE while ridden too, It did help lighten her forehand but i dont think gadgets help long term but it will give you a little relief and help her to understand :)
 
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