Rein contact issues?!?

Twilight

Well-Known Member
Joined
28 May 2007
Messages
157
Location
Cambs
Visit site
I am having issues getting my boy to take an even rein contact. He tries to lean on the left to avoid the right. If I hold reins evenly he will try and bend right to avoid taking the contact, so I end up holding him straight. I have tried a variety of bits - straight, single and double jointed, rubber and metal. He seems best with a thin metal single joint but still does it. He has his teeth done every 6months, back and tack checked. It really feels like there might be something in his mouth - any ideas!
 
I would suggest from what you say to have his teeth checked again, perhaps by a different EDT. Like everything else, there are good ones and bad ones and I say this as someone on our yard recently has had problems, got dentist out, didnt sort problem so had a different EDT out and it sorted it.
Your horse really does seem to have a problem.
Good Luck.
 
I would echo what Peanot says. An EDT did a friend's mare - and three weeks later the horse had lacerations in her mouth from uneven dentistry. Definitely get a second opinion.

The only other thing is whether he could have a thorn or something inside his gum which could be causing discomfort possibly?
 
Ditto everyone else re back, teeth, tack etc. but also my horse sometimes is a bit odd with the contact - my instructor says he needs to be working from behind more! I've tried it with my boy and once I can feel him working properly he settles in his mouth!?!
 
Hi ya,

Does he do it with another rider or just you? has someone watched you from the ground to make sure you are not uneven through your body (could make a difference even if your hands are level).

Does he do it on both reins (of the school not the reins you hold if that makes sense!)

I agree also rule out teeth and back (including head/neck/leg probs).

xxx
 
Top