Occasionally nappy pony - suggestions?

[whiteroom]

We are struggling to resolve napping issues with a 9yo pony - having gone through the usual checks and found nothing physically wrong. For no reason at all and rarely in the same please he decides to spin and attempt to run off and on two strange occasions ran up a bank beside the road! Other horse if safe and stead and not reactive so we are just stumped. Schools nicely in an open field but will try to scoot off after a jump but that is partly due to him being very keen! Local trainer suggested draw reins as he has a short neck which come up and twists when he wants to get away. Last resort I may give them a go but dont want to make more problems! Experienced adult rider for hacking but on the lead rein with a novice child he is a paragon or virtue!

Currently ridden in hanging cheek french link snaffle with running martingale.

Thank you for any suggestions.

 

[madlady]

The draw reins might give the control but they aren't going to teach the pony anything good at all - apart from a fixed head position.

I'd try a different bit first - one with poll action to encourage him to lower head, maybe a pelham or kimblewick as a starting point.

 

[be positive]

In this type of situation running, rather than draw, reins can be very useful, they do not have to fix the head in a set position if the rider is experienced they can just use them in an emergency, my horse can spin and go to take off running through the bridle I will not use a stronger bit so he hacks in running reins which are usually loose but easily picked up if required, they certainly do not get used to hold his head in.

 

[paddi22]

i'd usually try draw reins and a standing martingales on any head-throwy, twisty-spinners I have to hack and it can work well. I never school in them, but for hacking it can work well in those kind of situations and give you more control.