My big youngster throws his head about.

[lizijj]

Hi, my lad is 17hh plus still growing, IDxTB, 6 years, very low mileage. He has a soft mouth, ridden in a lozenge snaffle with cheeks, never pulls. Saddle made to fit. Hasn't really had more than 3 months continuous riding at a time. Do you think it is just back muscles aching? Had his back and teeth checked and all OK. Starting pole work to make him engage himself more. Any ideas?

 

[Tnavas]

Have back checked but also change the bit to a very static one - a horse that has a soft mouth but throws its head around has an uneducated mouth - he still hasn't learnt to accept the contact properly.

Try him in a Fulmer (with keepers) single joint with a drop noseband. This combination encourages a still mouth that has oodles of confidence in the contact.

One of my TB's in a double jointed bit was a monster. In a Fulmer a total treasure.

 

[Pat10]

Could he be a 'head shaker'? Try him with a nose net - it might make all the difference (then again, it might not!)