problems keeping a contact!!

[TeddylikeSecretariat]

My horse has a problem in that he rarely accepts my contact, especially if I'm asking him to go forward - he's really not forward going at all!! - and he just goes around with his head in the air... He rarely gives me a nice outline... I'm not saying it's his fault, but here is probably something that I can do to help improve this?? Any Advice?
Thanks so much

 

[Bernster]

Urgh I know that problem! Tbh it's probably a bit tricky to really get to the bottom of this on a forum and w/o seeing pics/videos.

The trick for me was swapping instructors and sorting out my position. When I sit/ride right, horse goes better. Head drops, back comes up, nice n swingy etc etc. For about a minute then I lose it again hehe.

If you don't have an instructor, I'd invest in a Mary Wanless or Heather Moffett book, worked wonders for me.

 

[lydia]

i had this same problem and you will get there in the end!
if its safe to do so try the long and low approach, getting him to stretch his neck and back whilst you have a fairly loose contact it really helps soften them. then you can gradually pick up your contact. i still now begin each schooling session like this.

 

[TeddylikeSecretariat]

Urgh I know that problem! Tbh it's probably a bit tricky to really get to the bottom of this on a forum and w/o seeing pics/videos.

The trick for me was swapping instructors and sorting out my position. When I sit/ride right, horse goes better. Head drops, back comes up, nice n swingy etc etc. For about a minute then I lose it again hehe.

If you don't have an instructor, I'd invest in a Mary Wanless or Heather Moffett book, worked wonders for me.

Thanks so much!! Yeh I currently don't have an instructor so probably should try and find one Definitely need to sort my position out though!! thank you!!

 

[TeddylikeSecretariat]

i had this same problem and you will get there in the end!
if its safe to do so try the long and low approach, getting him to stretch his neck and back whilst you have a fairly loose contact it really helps soften them. then you can gradually pick up your contact. i still now begin each schooling session like this.

Thank you so much, and that's a great idea!! I'll try him with that and see how he goes thank you!!