need some schooling tips!!

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BobbyMondeo

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I have had my boy for 2years8months and he has really come along in that time. And is becoming much lighter in the hand and has got much more impulsion from behind which is good =) we could actually do a respectable dressage test now!

However he has started opening his mouth (even when i have a very light rein contact) and im not quite sure how to do it, i can get him to go round nicely about half the time, and its almost like he gets bored or something i try and keep him busy with lots of changes of tempo and direction but it doesnt help much.

Has anyone got any ideas?
See pic below for example of what i mean...and any CC is helpful too =)

robbiee.jpg
 
Have you thought about what type of bit you are using? Most common problems with horses/ponies opening their mouth or sticking their tongue out with the bit is it's the wrong one! Avoid single jointed and thick bits... and I'd say that could be the problem... A flash covers up the problem but doesn't solve it.
What type of bit are you using?
:)
 
Not gonna pretend i can be of that much help :P but looking at the pic your inside hand is very close to your leg and will be a better overall picture if you have your hands a little more in front of you with your knuckles to the outside. Also pretty much echo what Naomi Hawthorne said, trying different snaffles with different mouthpieces. Doing transitions such as walk/halt/rein back to canter and only doing say a 15 meter circle and then coming down to trot might help, I only say this as my horse usually pulls her socks up after doing a few of these and just goes nicer overall :)
 
Just a thought but have you checked inside of his mouth for any rubs, nicks, ulcers? When did he last have his teeth checked?

Looking good tho :)
 
lea840 said:
Just a thought but have you checked inside of his mouth for any rubs, nicks, ulcers? When did he last have his teeth checked?

Looking good tho :)
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Was about to say this but will add, how old is he? could he have wolf teeth or tushes starting to erupt? this can cause soreness in the mouth? Otherwise, is he twisting his jaw? If so you could try a full cheek or fulmer, if the sides are fitted as opposed to loose ring they can give a little stability to the jaw. And if all else fails you could try a flash or a drop noseband?
 
Is the opening mouth a recent development? If so, I would get (if you haven't already) get his teeth and back checked to make sure there isn't any physical discomfort.
It may be just how the photo has captured you but your inside hand is drawn back towards your body, rather than carrying the hand forward with the movement of your horse. Perhaps another reason for him opening his mouth?! Good luck, hope you solve the problem, he looks a lovely boy
 
Yeah i have checked everything he only had teeth done about a month ago when this started so its not that, his back is fine too.

He has a loose ring french link at the moment, he did use to like it. Maybe he needs something else?
And he is nearly 8
 
Could it be that he does it when he is getting tired, my horse starts fidgeting in her mouth when she is getting tired and needs a stretch/break. I think she does it as a resistance to try and get more comfortable as she finds working in an outline quite hard work
 
WandaMare said:
Could it be that he does it when he is getting tired, my horse starts fidgeting in her mouth when she is getting tired and needs a stretch/break. I think she does it as a resistance to try and get more comfortable as she finds working in an outline quite hard work
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I do tend to give him plenty of breaks and stretching, its definitely an evasion technique because normally when i feel it happening i let him relax a bit....so he is getting his own way, but i don't want to hurt him. Was just wondering if anyone had any little tricks they use to gently encourage him to close it.

Not looking for a quick fix by any means and would prefer not to have to use a flash or a drop if possible
 
Well i have ridden this morning...its just as bad as usual. He feels soft and light but he is just going around with his mouth open.

can anyone suggest a bit i could use?
 
When you let him relax when he starts to open his mouth, does he close it again and go back to working nicely?

If so, it might be worth giving with your hands every so often to encourage him to stretch before he thinks about opening his mouth, so he stays relaxed and it might just break the habit. Build up the time he's working 'properly' until he can hold it consistently :) Does that make sense? I may well be talking rubbish, but instead of effectively rewarding him by letting him relax when he opens his mouth, reward him for working nicely by letting him relax then, before he starts to open his mouth.

I'm by no means an expert btw ;)

Looks like a nice chap though :D

J&C
 
Sounds like the formation of a plan, i find it really difficult to do because i know he can do it and he is just being difficult lol

And thanks, he is a nice chap =) ....well he is now anyway, was a devil before!
 
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