New horse gallops with head low

How old? How fit? What have they done before?

If quite young or weak I have been through this and it gets better as they get stronger and better able to balance themselves rather than dragging themselves along on the forehand.
 
He is 8 - Not particularly fit at the moment - done lots of show jumping in the past but I hope to do xc and hunting on him.
Took him on a fun ride today to see what he is like in open country - he nearly pulled my arms off his head is so low.
 
Some horses do gallop with their head very low. It's not really a problem and they normally lift it when a fence is in front of them. You will get used to it - ride with slightly longer reins so you don't get pulled forward.
 
He does a lovely dressage test and very careful show jumping - its his gallop that concerns me. I don't know if I'm being a whimp or its a schooling issue
 
I have one like this. First time I galloped him properly was on the beach and all I could see was sand lol! I agree totally unnerving but strangely enough my other horse is very uphill, big old neck in front of me and yet I've fallen off him more times than the other... Does your horse like to buck too? Mine does, he loves it lol.
 
Yes he is a bucker! But only when he gets excited which is why I'm a bit worried about taking him hunting. Don't fancy galloping with his head on the floor while he throws in a cheek buck heading for a hedge!

He is only in a french link snaffle too.
 
Charisma used to do this a lot - she is very low in front anyway which doesn't help. I found the fitter she was and stronger over her back and behind the saddle she was made all the difference and I can actually see her ears in front of me now! Even when I'm galloping I use half halts to rebalance her if she starts to feel heavy. Lots of people tend to kick on but forget the front end when going that little bit faster - this just throws them on their forehand.
 
So I need to get him fitter and half halts to rebalance him?

I've never had a horse like this before and would like to event him - dressage a show jumping he is great, xc is very scary on him at the moment
 
If you dont already, bridge your reins so you have a better hold of him - wont change what he does but will put you in a better position to hold him.

And yes half halts will help. Shorten your stirrups a hole or two and take a hold (shorter stirrups will allow you to use your body to hold him not your arms). Half halts regularly and never let him coast downhill - half halts are particularly effective here I find. I my experience a horse who doesnt listen to the rider on the flat/uphill usually seems to respond to hlf halts going downhill as they seem to accept the riders efforts to rebalance them in this situation.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top