How to teach a horse to stretch?!

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Sarah1

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I know someone else has posted about stretching but I think my situation is different so I'm making a new post!
Quick one really, how can I teach my young(ish) horse to stretch down after working hard? He doesn't stretch just sticks his head in the air!
 
having a long rein an stroking his neck ...it works for me
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Tried that but he just puts up a fight!!!!!
I'm sure his back and teeth are both ok as have been checked out recently so I'm really at a loss!
 
i asked on my yard about this after a dressage comp, apparently if you ride the movement before the stretch on a little bit of a stronger contact- then on the free walk on a loose rein they will actively try to stretch when u take the contact away.
mine doesnt stretch really either after ex., almost as if he is nervy about dropping his head that low, hes physically fine though so I try to use the pessoa on the low setting quite often
 
Thanks I'll try that! The strange thing is when I put him in the Pessoa or lunge him he'll drop his nose to the floor but only before work - not afterwards! Bizarre horse!
 
My horse is much happier to stretch after work when he is relaxed over his back. You could encourage his head down with some gentle massage of the inside rein, anything too strong and you will prob get resistance.
It's a case of horse and rider being very relaxed, make sure you are not tensing your seat in your enthusiasm to get him to stretch. I find scratching my horse on the wither or neck helps to relax him (it's a bit like the sensation of him being groomed by another horse I think).
 
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