help to stop my boy throwing his head down

take it easy

take it easy

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My 3yr old was backed in summer but i ended up coming off him twice and lost all confidence with him.
He has been back in work for a few weeks now and we are doing fab.got confidence in him now.
The thing is he carries his head low naturally but after a while of riding he starts throwing his head down to evade whatever im asking him, now he used to do this and buck, but touch wood he doesnt buck anymore.
Teeth and back have been checked. i just need any tips to help carry his head higher and also tips of what to do to stop him throwing his head.
xxxx
 
Could it be that he starts to do that when he has done a bit because his muscles are starting to ache a bit? Could be his way of saying he has done enough, if so I would perhaps just walk for a few minutes but make sure its a good forward walk and that he keeps his head still. He does not need to have it high but he must accept the rein and take it forwards.
 
When you say "after a while" how long is "a while" and how big is he and, no intention of being rude, how big are you? is he strong and well muscled or is he a bit light?
 
My boy does this. He is very lacking in topline, new to me I add! And has quite a temper. I'm positive he does it when his back/neck is getting tired because he only does it on calm steady days when he works quite nicely, never on meltdown days when he belts round head in air. I let him stretch down in walk for a bit then ask him on again.
 
he onlygets ridden for around 20 mins as he is only just 3, he is around 14.1 and quite stocky, im only teeny and around 9 stone so he hasno problemcarrying me....tried riding in side reins an he objects more to this so we only lunge in them x
 
I'd let him stretch down but keep him moving. I take it as a signal so-so is getting tired and just push him gently past it but nothing taxing once he starts doing it.
 
spent a it of time lunging and long-reining today and notice he puts his head down as if to evade the bit, he is in a full cheek snaffle at the min..what bit would people recommend i try as he doesnt seem happy in this one x
 
Agree with posters who've mentioned back. He may well just need to stretch but it could also be that saddle isn't fitting so well any more (he'll be growing and muscling up). I rode one horse in a badly fitting saddle and before it was re-fitted he did need to stretch down a lot more. But all do. If you include it in a schooling session as a frequent request then they don't learn it as a 'bad' thing to do, but equally you're still in control. Would get saddle checked though.

Re bit: if you feel safe again (and are in safe enclosed area, ideally with company the first time) no need for one at all :-)
 
i think he does it to "avoid" work. he puts his head down so far that he usually takes all the reins.ivehad someone walk with me and hold him an he works brill if he cant get his head down..that seems tobe my problem,i cant stop him putting his head down as he is rather strong.

he has only recently had his back and saddle checked and is having both re checked in a month. xx
 
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