On the forehand...I think...rider error!?

[Apalacia01]

Hi. I need a bit of help! I will be having a lesson soon, just lack of funds atm, so trying to do as much as I can without!

So, pony was on loan and ridden in hanging cheek snaffle. Don't think did much schooling, just going round school, 20m circles, jump! Therefore, pony is very stiff through neck I have changed her back to a loose ring snaffle in order to try and soften her up, but she seems very 'strong' through the mouth, like she's leaning on me?

How can I get her to release a bit in my hand....I am trying to get her to work from behind (not to get an outline, just to get her to lift through her back and release off my hand), by half-halts, but she is ignorning me a bit. Also, falling in on circles. Problem is I think that I am wonky anyway (as most people are, I tend to clamp my left hand and tense through elbow).

Should I put her back in hanging cheek? Draw reins!? ( I know, not good, but figured should lift her up behind with lots of leg, and means that I can release some of the hand pressure until we build up some self carriage!). Also, carrot stretches? We have limited schooling, as only grass paddock.

Any help would be appreciated....I am sure that it is something to do with me, but really would like to just get her off of my hands!

 

[matthew]

I think their is a good lesson in Horse and Rider about this problem.....this months i think!

 

[Apalacia01]

Oooh, cool, thanks. Will pop along to Tesco later and have a look!

 

[Natch]

I have this. Have recently changed instructors but both of their suggestions work well.

For both make sure you ride her forward with plenty of leg, not rushing, but working forwards.

One said to meet the pull with the same amount of pressure back, and she should eventually give to you. be very still, not twiddling, just the occasional twitch if she really isn't listening. be sure to give yourself the second she does, so she thinks she is teaching you not to pull on her!

The other said to use big pulls on each rein in turn (as opposed to constand little twiddling) - almost like you're pulling her head side to side. Not yanking, its like a slowed down and exaggerated version of the little movements you make on the reins normally. It might escalate into a battle but ride it through until she lets go and carries herself.

With both I can't stress how important it is to keep them going forwards off your leg, and put it on again the second they give so that you're riding them forwards off the leg but with a light contact. Also will only work with using this consistently - the second she takes a lean again start the process again so she knows no amount of lean is acceptable.

If she's been used to leaning on rider's hands for a while she will need to re-develop the muscles that allow her to be in self carriage as well as her education, so although you need to be consistent don't go on and on in one schooling session - keep it short, and don't let it go on so far that she is too tired.

I wouldn't change the tack, although my instructor did recomend lunging him in side reins.

Finally, be aware of your position, I never realised but mine was pulling me forwards when he leaned down. If you're crooked I'd ride shallow loops, serpentines etc to help you and the horse.

Hope that helps!

 

[Apalacia01]

Thank you for that, will try that out tomorrow - I think I do really need to push her on and get her coming up into the bridle more as well - that should help. yay....scary schooling whip tim!