Horse that leans and chews on the bit

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ChestnutConvert

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This might be silly question but the horse i ride will sometimes go into an outline but then can be very 'heavy' on the bit and start to chew making us lose outline and my arms ache!

Is there any way to avoid this or is it just more schooling??
 
My mare has a tendency to do this and my Instructor said to try her in a Waterford loose ring snaffle. I did and she goes really well in it, I hack her out in it too and she seems to be well suited to it. I know they aren't dressage legal but its got her off my hands and to be honest, Ive left her in it as shes recovering from a tendon injury and we do more hacking out than anything else at the moment. Shes now light in my hands, easy to get in an outline and does a lot less bit chomping.
 
I have similar problems re. the leaning and getting heavy.

I find that lots of transitions, especially trot - halt - trot can really help :) plus lots of changes of rein, circles and generally taking them by surprise as this will lighten the forehand as they will be awaiting your next command. If he is in an heavy over bent outline a gentle forward shake of the reins to loosen the contact and bring him up, but don't let him 'pop' out of it

If the problems are bit related ring horsebithire.com and they can over free advice :)
 
He goes lovely in trot, esp after circles and bending. Walk seems to be the worst but apparently this is the hardest gait to crack sods law as in a dressage test it's the one you do for shortest amount of time!

Might be changing to a pelham to solve another prob we have, but might look at other bits will see what happens then and re evaluate!
 
My riding instructor used to say 'he can only lean if he has something to lean against' and its so true.
As ElliePinza said, lots of transistions and if he leans shake him off it, give and retake the rein, plenty of leg to try and get him off his forehand.
 
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