How can i stop her pulling??

F

foxtrot

Well-Known Member
Joined
18 August 2010
Messages
96
Visit site
I recently purchased a new horsey.

Had her out a few times and with only a few schooling issues she rode okay, now she is in regular work and is going to her first show with us on saturday. I have a friend riding her in the show classes as i am otherwise engaged in other classes, she has been coming out riding her for the last 3-4 weeks but in this last week the horse has started to pull-really pull and lean on the bit (to the point where my friend got a blister). We have tried riding her on a loose rein but she just trots really fast and becomes quite unbalanced.

Do any of you horsey experienced people know what schooling techniques we could be doing to help/or tell us why she is doing this???
 
What kind of bit are you using? Mine started leaning on bit very strongly and schooling was not helping so rang up The Horse Bit Bank and got a recommendation of new bit to try. Touch-wood is going really well now in a light and consistent contact. :)
 
Try lots of transitions and changes of bend to encourage lightness and self carriage. But mainly remember that it takes two to start a tug of war, if you don't pull the horse can't. You need to give and take rather than simply pulling, make the horse carry herself, don't prop her up!
 
Ditto the 'it takes 2' comment. My mare will pull and lean given half the chance, and actively encourages the rider to take a hold so that she can lean on me.
I got very brave and decided that if she wanted the rein that badly, she could have it and pushed my hand up her neck. She came to a sudden stop - I had taken away her 5th leg she used for balancing. LOL

Transitions, changes of bend, spiralling in and out, riding a square (straight lines, with a turn on the forehand for the corner).

I also tried every bit on the planet (or so it felt) and discovered that she hates a jointed bit. It has to be a still mouthpiece - mullen, ported, what ever - but no joints.

For dressage, we use a hanging cheek mullen mouth.
For schooling and hacking, we use a forward ported show pelham, from Neue Schule
For showing, we use a Sam Marsh. This really lifts her off the forehand, and makes her cary herself.

This happened on Sunday - she didn't lean or pull. It all paid off and she just carried me forwards. No arguing, a light contact - just gorgeous.

pic1.jpg
 
I thought perhaps she might be needing the dentist.

Could it be that she is just getting fitter?? and she only seems to do it in trot :confused: I completely agree withe the 'it takes two' comment but if you do not take a contact with her she just trots sooo fast she makes herself unbalanced.
She seems to love her work and she adores jumping and goes round a course nicely (not much pulling) it's just while schooling but only seems to happen after she is warmed up, it's like she is too keen!!
 
I wonder if it's just a coincidence that she started pulling when your friend started riding her? Perhaps she has a different style of riding to you, or maybe she has an "electric bum":D
I agree with the takes two to pull. I had one instructor who rode in medium dressage comps who only gave me two lessons and my gelding was moving so light it was like riding a hover craft!
She said my gelding was being rude trying to pull the reins forward and leaning on my hands so she suggested giving some strong pulls on the bit - not jabs but three firm pulls - outside rein - inside rein-outside rein in quick succession to get him off leaning on the bit. I had to get my weight off his forehand, shoulder neck and head back and in line with my waist.
It did the trick for me, ask your friend to try, she may be throwing her onto her forehand.
 
Transitions, transitions and more transitions is what I would say, along with suppling lateral work. That way you should find that she can balance herself more easily and so won't hang off your hands to do it, and also learn to sit on her hocks more and work more from behind making her lighter in front.
 
The other thing I would suggest is to give her the rein so she can't lean. I know she just goes faster so keep turning her, figure of 8's, serpentines, connected "jug handles" etc. Also trot poles should keep her trot rhythmical.
 
If a horse pulls i think teeth, bit, saddle and rider - one of those is usually the culprit. Otherwise it is because the horse is not carrying itself correctly and engaging the hindquarters. This takes time and correct training for the horse to get stronger, more balanced and more supple.
 
Thanks for all the comments so far, please keep them coming. there are a few tips in there i will be using and see how we go.

we are still to get her teeth checked and i might give the bit bank a call but the saddle has been checked and her rider is a good well established rider who doesnt appear to have any bad habits.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top