horse's head carriage too low- help!

[ellis9905]

my new horse has an annoying habit of dropping his head into a very low head carriage, he doesnt do it all the time but when he does he looks similar to that rollkur- over bent but head lower- this is increadibly off putting when cantering as you really feel there is nothing infront of you, and it worries me that i could fall over his shoulder very easily. its like riding a neck and headless horse!!

Any tips/advice as to how to increase/encourage him to raise his head back to a more normal height??

 

[Goldenstar]

What bit are you using?

 

[ellis9905]

What bit are you using?

hes in a kimblewick

 

[Goldenstar]

When he goes in ' self rolkur ' how much wieght is there in the contact.
And why the kimblewick can you use a snaffle. ?

 

[ellis9905]

as hes new to me - ive had him about three weeks, hes ridden in a kimblwick as this is what his previous owner rode him in.

With regards the contact, he normally rides with little/light contact- but you've got me thinking now- is it when i have stronger or lighter contact that he does this?? hhhmmmn

 

[Goldenstar]

Sounds like he's ducking behind the contact which can be an issue with this sort of bit .
Try as soon as he ducks give a sharp rien correction upwards definatly upwards with the rien not back, just a fraction later drive forward strongly with both legs and give both riens forwards make sure you are sitting up , as soon as you have corrected him ride normally into the contact.
When you know him better try getting him into a snaffle a least for schooling be sure to try in a safe place at first.
Good luck with and have fun.

 

[ellis9905]

Goldenstar- thanks so much for the advice. will definatly try your tips

 

[Goldenstar]

You are welcome

 

[Mondy]

This horse *does not* need a rein correction when dropping his head - he needs a re-education.
I would start by finding a more mouth-friendly bit. Then I would make sure my position was as perfect as I could manage. No horse can correct itself with a wonky rider on top. That done, I'd ride lots and lots and lots of transitions - downward/upward transitions for seat-aid and with as light and giving a hand as possible - to build up balance and strength.

A horse that drops its carriage like this always lacks the muscle-power to work correct. By yanking at his mouth and kicking him forward you will only further erode the musculature that should carry both of you and throw him even heavier unto the forehand.

That short-term remedy is poisonous in the long run.

 

[Goldenstar]

And sometimes they just go behind the bit despite being very well muscled .