Outline problems

[rosepa]

My horse is struggling to work in an outline in walk, despite working nicely in trot and canter! He has had his back done recently and teeth fairly recently. In walk he will either toss his head up (a lot) or hold his head high to evade the contact. Any ideas? My instructor doesn't know what's causing it, he does the same with her riding.

 

[Casey76]

What bit do you currently have him in?

Has he had his wolf teeth out?

 

[rosepa]

Full cheek French link and yes last year x

 

[Casey76]

Is he narrow through the jaw? Sometimes a French link can actually bruise the bars if the horse has a narrow jaw.

You could try a lozenge, or even a simple snaffle (yes some horses actually prefer them )

Also, you may need to check to see if the wolf teeth came out whole, or if there is any remnant left in the gum.

 

[Pinkvboots]

walk can often be the most tricky gait for a horse to work in as it's got much less impulsion than trot and canter so they find it difficult to carry themselves the same, it might just need time to come and some extra work I find getting the walk really active first without worrying too much about the head can help.

 

[4faults]

Agree with Pinkvboots walk is actually a lot harder for them to carry themselves in, as long as you keep the walk marching forward and horse soft over the back and relaxed through the jaw it will come in time if he is working well in trot and canter

 

[EQUIDAE]

Agree with the others that walk is the hardest as they actually have to work properly. I'd video yourself and double check that the horse is actually working correctly, and not in a false outline, in trot and canter.

 

[Brummyrat]

Im by no means suggesting you're doing this OP but my youngster has a great walk...however, at the start of a lesson I frequently get told off for trying to put him on the bit which results in a lot of faffing (which Im not aware Im doing!) and a rubbish walk. If I walk around chatting to the instructor though and my hands are just "there", bingo, the walk is super. Just a thought x

 

[Pearlsasinger]

Try forgetting about the shape that the horse is in and instead think of the horse being in self-carriage. This will enable you to let go of the horse's mouth and concentrate on riding from your seat, legs and mind. It sounds as if a change of instructor wouldn't come amiss either!