inconsistent contact

[Linz29]

afternoon all!
just wondering if anyone could give me some advice, my horse is very unconsistent in his contact (head nodding alot) as in my dressage test i always get marked down for this and acceptance of the bridle. wondering what your thoughts are and how i could improve this

 

[el_Snowflakes]

Firstly I would check that the horse is fully sound. The fact that its head nodding suggests to me that it may not be. If this isnt the case, there is a really good exercise called 'frying pan hands' (!) where you hold each rein the way you would hold a frying pan (with thumbs on top) and you you get a more consistent contact., When you go back to riding normally you should then aim to maintain the same level of contact. Good luck

 

[Linz29]

thanks! il give that exersise a go, im pretty sure he is sound he reguarly sees vet for flu jabs, teeth ect. i might get the saddler to check his back again he is about due for a check so il see what she says. i think im partly to blame as he is fine when getting lessons ect, i just stress out soon as its a competition!