High head carriage.

[Loubiepoo]

Went to look at a potential new horse the other day, it was generally very nice but lacking in condition (both weight and muscle). When I rode it it seemed to carry its head quite high, still in an outline and rounded over its back - just with its poll quite definately the highest point, it gave the impression of looking a bit tense, although it didn't feel it underneath me. Do you think with further training and correct muscle development this would ease or is more likely to be a confirmation issue?
Thanks
x

 

[Baggybreeches]

Depends on so many things, it could be because of soreness, weakness or lack of training. I would always prefer a horse that feels loose and regular, to one that appears to go well from the floor, but again this depends on your knowledge and insight.

 

[kerilli]

could also be simply conformational, if its neck was set onto its shoulder in a certain way. fwiw, horses with naturally high head carriage are usually very good xc... think of Over To You, Toytown, Tamarillo etc etc. because their weight is up and back, they find it very easy to lift their shoulders.
getting a horse into a comfy saddle, getting its back done properly, getting its gut sorted etc, can also hugely affect head carriage. my new mare, hacking out, has gone from star-gazey to long and low in a couple of months.

 

[Baggybreeches]

Yes I agree with that too. Just getting excited at the thought of Emerald being fab XC, he has his neck set on very high, almost giraffe like