Hovis the destroyer becomes Hovis the snow plough

[Hovis_and_SidsMum]

Wonder if you can help me with a new problem with Hovis?
I had a lesson last night to try to get ready for the clear round at the end of the month. The jumping went ok (ish) but Hovis was like riding a snow plough.
He's taken to dropping his head really low and leaning on my hands. I couldn't get his head up for all the tea in china. This has only happened in the last week. Now my instructor was teaching him to work in a gentle outline a week or so ago and i wonder if he's now learnt he can evade the bit doing this?
My instructor is a really good rider so I'm not implying this is her fault in any way. Her stance last night was thats its a baby thing and he's trying it on.
But how do i stop him? I don't want this turning into a habit.
His saddle was checked at the weekend so don't think its pain.
Any ideas?

 

[BarmyC]

When he leans on your hands completely drop the contact so he has nothing to lean against. You can also put your leg on to encourage him to pick his head up.

I know its not ideal when you are jumping but this does work over time. He can only lean when he has something to lean against if that makes sense

 

[pnap]

I had this problem with Jack and first of all my instructor suggested changing the bit (eggbutt snaffle to loose ring french link). That's helped a bit but I also have just had a lesson where I was allowed no reins at all - had to hold them at the buckle for the full 45mins. We were jumping as well but he was ears pricked and popped each one nicely. Apparently cause I was riding with my seat and legs and not interferring with his head. He had nothing to lean on so had to balance himself and use himself correctly. Dunno if it sounds like this would help you at all but thought I'd mention it.

 

[Hovis_and_SidsMum]

Thanks guys. I'm all ears for anyones advice.

 

[Natch]

F did this when I rode him the first time. Unfortunately 6 months box rest following an accident in the field the next day cured him, but my plans to resolve it were to try either sitting up and deeeeeeep hands high and don't let him, or simply don't give him any contact to pull down into, but ride him forwards and praise like mad when it comes back to a normal head carriage. A months worth of riding without bridles on a NH course taught me to feel right at home without a head in front of me, though, I knwo normally it could be pretty intimidating!