Horse over extending - Help

I

Immarie

New User
Joined
12 May 2018
Messages
2
Visit site
Hi all, I am having problems with my new ride over extending his head. He rounds up very nicely but after about 30 minutes of work decides its enough and over extends his head into his chest. Due to him being young he can throw the unexpected tantrum, so I like to keep a decent contact, but even if I lengthen my reins a considerable length he keeps his head locked down. I have tried giving him a quick tap on the shoulder with my whip and jab with one rein as if to say “listen” which he does respond to by lifting his head to the correct position however continues to lower it again a few strides later. I have also contemplated that it is perhaps him getting tired however, he is worked for around 1hr at least 5 days a week so certainly is not unfit. Additionally, he has been checked over by both vet who says he is sound and saddler who says his tack fits great. Any advice to help fix this problem would be very much appreciated as I am really hoping this habit does not last, Thank you!
 
It does sound as if he gets tired, as he only does it after about half an hour. When you say 'work', do you mean schooling? If so, I would cut your sessions to just under that length of time and take him out for a hack afterwards to build up his fitness.
 
Sounds like he doesn't have the strength to hold himself in frame for as long as you're asking him to. Try to stop for a rest before he gets to the point of curling up and dropping off your aids, other wise it can quickly become a very difficult to break habit. It helps if you can keep the work varied and do exercises in different frames - a mid of flexing, stretching and strength exercises, going for quality over quantity.

Personally I find it easier to play with different frames and build strength out hacking, but you need to find what works for you
 
Sounds like his muscles are getting tired. Try lots of walk breaks and let him stretch his neck down and out often so he doesn't get uncomfortable. If you think of overusing your own muscles before they're strong, they get sore and stiff.
 
I did suspect it was perhaps weakness, and have been hacking him after schooling to bring his fitness up. Thank you all, I will take on your advice. Appreciate it!
 
Does he stretch out on the rein? Or follow your hand down to the ground (another way of saying it is to "chew the reins out of your hand")? If he doesn't, then your training needs to focus on this as otherwise the contact is wrong and you will have multiple problems that could become quite difficult to resolve. Do you have an instructor?
 
One hour is actually quite a long time for a horse to focus and ride in contact. If im riding "proper" i keep it to a max of 30mins all broken up, the rest of the time warming up and cooling down is on the buckle and long low.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top