Putting head down when working...

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Scampi

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Some advice wanted please

Mare has just returned to work after being used as broodmare. She does in on the lunge and when being ridden, she will keep putting her head down the floor. will call dentist out to check her but i don't think it's her teeth as even when i lunge her in a headcollar (no bit) she does it still.

Any ideas?
 
It sounds like she is just stretching her back and neck muscles, which is normal if returning to work, hard to know without seeing - is she snatching at the bit or stretching down in a more controlled way? Is she doing it from the start of the session or after some time?
 
It sounds like she is tight somewhere and trying to stretch to release it, I would get a physio to look at her. Although better she is stretching down than being a giraffe.
 
Just seen your other post and thought I would add it to this one, the two issues could be linked, possibly some irritation in her airways that feels better when her head is down. If she is making a noise it could be more serious so I would get the vet to come, it may be an allergy that needs treatment to relieve the symptoms.
 
i didn't see how it could be connected but yes maybe it is. Could it be the teeth? even when she does it without a bit in her mouth?

Will get vet to check her over
 
Scrooge said:
It sounds like she is just stretching her back and neck muscles, which is normal if returning to work, hard to know without seeing - is she snatching at the bit or stretching down in a more controlled way? Is she doing it from the start of the session or after some time?
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Ditto this. For what it's worth I would be pleased she is doing this. I use a de gogue to get one of mine stretching down. I would not see it as a problem.
 
Agree this is what you want her to do when being lunged in particular. If she does it when ridden keep a contact and push her forward. There was a link on this a while ago supporting all initial schooling in this frame.
 
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