Hi just a little help needed please!

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stressedmum

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Hi i am mainly a lurker but would just need a bit of advice regarding schooling please! I have owned my 5 year old 14.1hh part bred new forest since he was a foal, i backed him myself at 3 then turned away till 4, since he was bought back into work he has mainly been hacked and lightly schooled.He is very well behaved and does everything i ask of him, i have only been cantering him for the last 6 month and thats only minimal. The problem i have is that he carries his head far too low, its almost touching the floor! I spend all my concentration holding up his head but crikey talk about lean! I ride him in a simple cavesson bridle with a loose ring snaffle. Tack, back and teeth are all fine as i do have regular checks. I would love some advice on whats the best way to bring his head up x
 
Sounds as though he is on his forehand, and the answer to it is to get the back end moving - so drive him forward with your legs. Don't let him lean, give and take the reins. Do lots of transitions - walk to halt, stay still a couple of seconds, then off to walk. Increase this so that you are moving off to trot for a few moments, then back to walk, halt, walk, trot again... Keep him busy in the school, lots of circles, serpentines, transitions etc, so that he doesn't have time to slop along.

Most of all, try and find an instructor who can help you work through this.

Good luck..x
 
Thank you that sounds really good advice, i didnt want to go down the gadget route as some friends have suggested, he is too honest and i know its just 'babyness' and him needing more schooling. He is very heavy on his forehand, i notice when lunging he does not use his bottom at all. Thank you i will have a go tomorrow with your suggestions x
 
Agree with Honey08 - could you also try lots of hill work to get his back end and back muscled up so he can carry himself better behind?

But yes, absolutely best plan is to get an experienced instructor to give you a few pointers :)
 
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