How do you get baby working in an outline/ drop his head?

[SuperCoblet]

New horsey arrived on loan last week, he's just turned 5, done a bit of everything. He's very soft in the mouth, in a French link snaffle he goes very well, however seems to do everything with his head in the air, owner says he's only ever done hacking. Saddle, back, teeth ect checked and all ok,

Any tips/ ideas? Thanks

 

[**Vanner**]

Get the engine working properly (the hind quarters) then worry about the head later.

Babies shouldn't be forced into an outline they need to develop the muscles to use themselves properly first

 

[FoxTrotx]

Can imagine you'll get slaughtered for this post...
But sensible advice would be to give him time. Ignore what his head is doing and get him working correctly through his back and quarters (this is where the power needs to be coming from, not the head leading). Alot of horses will 'come round' naturally if you ride them properly, if you nag at his mouth though you run the risk of him working in a false outline which may look 'pretty' but he will not be using the muscles he needs to work correctly.
If he is not used to working properly it is unlikely these muscles will be very developed so take it slowly and don't expect instant results.

 

[Miss L Toe]

I would also try a lozenge salivating type bit, like Neu Schule starter bit, and do some quiet lunging, asking the horse to work without weight carrying, this will help to build up the correct muscling. I find that trotting poles help to lower the head, the horse needs to see the poles and to balance nicely.
Try hacking out in company to encourage active and forward movement, and for general education.

 

[Natch]

What vanner said I don't think you should be worrying about being slated on here, at 5 I would also be trying to avoid him building muscle 'the wrong way up' on his neck. Its just important to understand why we want a nice head carriage (i.e. As a result of propulsion from hindquarters and core strength rather than because it looks pretty).

 

[Natch]

P.s. There are lots of good books on biomechanics around, maybe put one or two on your Christmas wish list? X

 

[VioletStripe]

Get the engine working properly (the hind quarters) then worry about the head later.

Babies shouldn't be forced into an outline they need to develop the muscles to use themselves properly first

This! It all takes time. With my boy we've been working on going forwards properly, letting him build up the muscles and start to drop his head on his own (his muscle is building up a bit, but I'm just going through the basics first. Baby steps for a baby!). When working in an outline, the last thing you think about is the head, it all comes from the quarters and through the back, strapping their head down may look pretty but it doesn't use the right muscles.

Transitions are very good, they help build up balance and get them moving from behind, and also get them listening and interested, circles, pole work.. just keep them interested and take things one step at a time. He'll drop into an outline once he's built up the muscle and gained experience. Just take it one step at a time and keep it fun xx

 

[galaxy]

Work on transitions and really get him moving forwards well into a soft contact, but do not ask for anything more. Work on getting correct bend easily and moving sideways off your leg. I have found that generally when they are relaxed doing the above they start to lower themselves.