Horse nodding head/tossing whilst riding

[10wardd]

My horse has had this problem for a while now. What he does is after about 30 mins of work he'll start nodding/ tossing his head every so often. After he starts he just gets worse and worse until it happens pretty much every stride. The head motion is like throwing his head up in the air and then back down to where it should be - so it pulls my hands forward and can disturb my balance - it also unbalances his stride and means each step isnt 'equal'. He only does in in walk and he doesn't do it to start with?
I have tried sort of telling him off for it but he doesn't really tend to take any notice.

Any ideas what causes this and how to resolve it as it actually really hurts and makes him look like a physco :S

 

[Burnttoast]

Given that he does it after having been ridden for some time it suggests either a tack or a rider issue that the horse will put up with for a while before it starts to protest. If you've had all the usual checks done I would get second opinions.

 

[flirtygerty]

I would be looking at the teeth, my TB nodded, despite having his teeth done (previous owners) my EDT was horrified at the state of his teeth and has said, given his age (20+) he will only ever be able to make him comfortable

 

[Jnhuk]

I would check fit of the bridle especially browband being too small in first instance to see if that causing it.

 

[Surreydeb]

Could also be his back aching do you give him time to stretch down regularly during work, and has saddle been checked?

 

[amandaco2]

Mine can do this due to flies on her nose/ around her face

 

[Pearlsasinger]

I would start by checking the browband is long enough, not pinching his ears and that the bit is smooth. Then get his teeth and saddle-fit checked. If all are ok, get a good instructor to watch you ride and see if RI can help.
Is the horse fit enough to work for more than 30 mins?

 

[MissJessica]

Are you giving him regular breaks on a long rein...my boy often does this when I work for too long, or test him. I give him a long rein as his way of shaking out & stretching after working correctly.
Try not letting it get to the head toss stage, shorten your work, give him a rest then pick your reins back up.
Although completely agree with above comments & everything else should be thoroughly checked.

 

[canteron]

My horse used to do this when young and it was a pain thing - in his case it was a combination of teeth and back. As those issues have been resolved and he has got older and stronger, it isn't a problem.

I would caution about 'riding through it', if your horse starts to associates hacking with pain, that takes longer to resolve.