Nose poking?

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polopony

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For anyone that has read my previous posts you will know that polo pony prefers me on the floor instead of in the saddle, so as hacking is out of the question and we do not have a school we have been going on short treks on the lead rope with Grandad/Mum at the side, so as he cannot buck/rear when someone else is in control he nose pokes and pulls at the reins. He doesn't like taking the bit and from the minute he does he's nose poking, but it is worse when I'm in the saddle. The only reason I can think of is to evade the bit? He is in what I think is a thick mouth eggbutt.
Advice please and thanks in advance (I hope) :)
 
Poor little polo pony, he is DEFINITELY hurting. It's very likely that he will have never had his teeth done properly with a gag, get these done immediately. Also, do get his back and tack checked, and please stop riding him until you get these done! For your own safety too!! Where did you get him from?
 
Once you've had his teeth checked, and you are happy that there are no problems with his teeth, back etc. I'd get rid of the bit you are using. If you cannot bring yourself to ride him in a headcollar first, then choose the mildest bit you can find, something like a french link. If he still plays up then perhaps consider a bitless bridle.

Personally, I like a horse to stop and back up without me having to touch the reins before I'd consider using any sort of bit.
 
Agree with all the other posters, great advice!
When you have had your horse checked out and you can be sure that he isn't in any discomfort/pain and that his tack fits then def loose that bit. It is often thought of as a softer choice as it is 'nice' and wide and is a snaffle - like AS says, a french link is heaps better, not a wide mouthpiece either as alot of horses just don't have the space in their mouth to accept it. How about some ground work first with a headcollar then as suggested above start riding in that - get your horses trust and soft compliance, then any future steps into a bit (if you choose to use one) will be that much more relaxed and obedient.
 
Also you are probably using the most unkind bit you could choose to select

TB's (also argi types and anything that plays polo) do not have much space in the mouth, so you've put a chunky bit in so the pony probably cannot close its mouth

Now you are probably trying to take a contact, something a polo pony is not used to - as you pick up the reins the single joint of your fat bit is stabbing your pony in the roof of the mouth - this is probably why they are poking their nose to try and get away from the roof of their mouth being hurt

So 1. Change your bit for something that suits a small mouth and preferably something ergonomic

2. remember polo ponies do not ride on an english contact, so if you really want to teach this you'll have to do it gradually.
 
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