Horse pulling/tugging when hacking out - help please!

[FunkyFilly28]

Hi all, my horse has always tugged at the reins a bit on the way home from a hack (previous owner also told me) but recently he's been better and hardly tugged at all. This last week, however, he's been shaking his head up at down and really yanking the reins out of my hands. Yesterday he did it the entire hack out - even on the way out! I've tried having loose reins (at the point of the buckle) and keeping him in a contact but neither seems to affect him. He doesn't try and bolt off or anything but it gets very frustrating and makes your arms ache!

He's ridden in a loose ring snaffle and a running martingale and his saddle/back/teeth have all been checked recently. His previous owner used to ride him in a standing martingale and I tried it on yesterday but it seems too long to actually do anything!

Any advice would be much appreciated!

 

[iconique]

Have you checked in his ears?

 

[HollyB66]

My girl tends to do this when we have been out but not done very much fast work. If she's had a good old gallop and some cantering she is usually better on the way home.

Today we were with another horse for most of the hack who could only walk and trot (too naughty at canter). Towards the end of the hack she started to pull and tug. So after we had left the other horse at his yard, we had a good blast through the orchard - she was much better after that.

It seems to be her way of saying 'come on lets go...' - but I could be wrong

 

[Elsbells]

I've always thought this happens because they are feeling tired and need to stretch the muscles and open up the back. I guess a good canter would have the same effect?
Could be wrong though