Horse's head on the ground!

[Jump.for.joy]

I have recently viewed a possible part-loan horse, and he is an absolute sweetheart, but I'm not quite sure how to get him to keep his head up.

He is fine on hacks and not too bad during the warm-up, but once we start working he trails his head on the floor, both in trot and canter. He is 16.3 and is ridden in a running martingale, dutch gag with a grackle nose band. His owner wondered if he needed a different bit or just some good schooling. anyone with any suggestions on different bits/ schooling methods for this? thank you x

 

[putasocinit]

Maybe he needs a break from all the tack he is carrying, how come he is such a sweet heart yet needs all the tack, it isnt a fashion statement, this isnt aimed at you by the way.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

All his tack is designed to bring his head down, so he is just doing what he is asked. Get rid of the martingale and try a different bit.

 

[Jump.for.joy]

Thank you both, that is pretty much what I thought with the tack...... do you have any suggestions on bits? I'm not sure if a simple snaffle will be enough as he is a big horse (but am planning to try him in one anyway)

also, am I right in thinking that if i move the reins to the highest up loop on the dutch gag, does this make it almost equivalent to a snaffle (or at least soften its effects a lot)?

thanks x

 

[scheherazade]

Thank you both, that is pretty much what I thought with the tack...... do you have any suggestions on bits? I'm not sure if a simple snaffle will be enough as he is a big horse (but am planning to try him in one anyway)

also, am I right in thinking that if i move the reins to the highest up loop on the dutch gag, does this make it almost equivalent to a snaffle (or at least soften its effects a lot)?

thanks x

Yes, that's correct, try the reins on the ring where the mouthpiece is attached and see if that helps. Also check to make sure that the martingale isn't too tight. Good on you for trying to simplify things

 

[BeepaStar]

For biting advice ring the Horse Bit Shop, they offer great free professional advice about which bit to use after you've discussed the horses way of going etc. You can hire bits to trial.
I've used them and found them really helpful