help with youngster

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Fox07

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I have just started riding my 3.5 year old in company, out hacking however on the way back from a hack they have started snatching at the reins and shaking their head. I have had back, feet and saddle checked and can only assume its impatience to get back home thats setting it off. I am now riding them in a running martingale and that is helping but still snatching reins. My feeling is I should push them on but worried ile push on and not be able to stop. Dentist did say they have a very mobile jaw and could have potential to cross mouth and nick off with me but dont really want a youngster in grackle- currently in snaffle and cavesson... any ideas?
 
teeth? At that age it's worth a check...

Personally, I'd put my leg on and see what happens. If it tries to sod off, I would think about my options then, but always with snatching etc, leg on and ride through it - assuming no physical problems. However, I would consider:

1. how far you're going - is he knackered on the way back?
2. what head carriage / contact have you got? If he's marching round with his head up and you have a "normal" contact, he may be asking to stretch because his muscles aren't up to it yet. It doesn't make it acceptable behaviour - but it may be better all round to let him stretch before he starts snatching at you!
3. bit? maybe it just doesn't suit him? I fiddle with bits last of all, tbh, but it's always a consideration.

:)
 
Does this only happen on a hack & not when doing a similar amount of work in the school? Could be teeth or a reaction to you asking for an outline he just can't do & he needs to stretch. Wouldn't be putting a grackle on a horse of that age myself.
 
You could be unitentionally applying quite a bit of pressure through a running martingale, I don't know the maths but do know that every pivot point multiplies pressure.

Without seeing you it is hard to make a judgement, but common sense and experience would make me inclined to recommend a lighter hand and more training to the leg
 
Sounds like his balance and strength are not strong enough yet. Take your time with him, he is still very young. Try some ground work stretching exercises. Good luck :)
 
Hi it could be that there muscles are tired and being babies a hack can be omotionally tiring aswell as physicolly so maybe a good stretch is what they are after but i am no expert :D
 
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