Racehorse likes to impersonate a giraffe

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Footlights

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I know this is how they have been taught to run, with their noses poked straight out, and I know that it'll take time for him to build up the correct muscles and be able to carry himself properly, but can anyone give me any advice on what I should be doing to encourage him to work properly through his back and slowly bring his nose in?

At the moment we are just long reining with the occasional light ride, but looking to start building this up over the next couple of months. When his fitness has improved we will be getting the instructor out for some lessons, but any advice now would be greatly appreciated.
 
Why not get your riding instructor out now to help you get the basics established while he isn't super fit. I had to do months of ground work with mine before I could get on as he was in such poor condition when I got him. This was a bonus in several ways in that he had no 'wrong' muscle to get rid of - he didn't have any, bless him! and he was taught from the start what was expected of him. I'm an experienced rider but the regular help of my instructor was (and still is) absolutely invaluable. Best of luck with him!
 
Kokopelli said:
Get him working from behind, once he starts tracking up properly the hind legs will come underneath and the head will lower.
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Exactly that, push him forward especially in walk and trot. Then when he is tracking up, gentle squeezes down both reins, he will get the gist very quickly.

But he must be working from behind before trying to get him to accept a contact, also a good bit will help too.

ETA I would avoid gadgets like a pessoa at this stage, I wouldn't imagine at this early stage he would have the mussel to cope with that at the moment.
 
Thank you, I will try him in the pessoa and see what he makes of it! And will also try and get him working from behind when I ride.

He is in a french link snaffle with full cheeks at the moment - would you class this as a 'good bit' to be starting with?
 
Me too :)

If I do try him in the pessoa it will only be for a few minutes and very loose to start with, I know his muscles won't be up for much just yet. :)
 
Agree with McW

Also it will certainly be worth having his teeth, back & saddle checked - if he's in pain anywhere then he physically may not be able to work in an outline.
 
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