Side reins

Bettyboo222

Bettyboo222

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A horse I ride has side reins on because he throws his head. I put the side reins really loose ( I feel mean), They are like washing lines so they arn't really having any affect but when I take them off he throws his head. Is it possible to weave him off the reins ?
 
It sounds as if the horse has learnt that if the side reins are there, it's uncomfortable to head toss and so doesn't even when they are very loose. There must however be some cause for the behaviour and if you could identify and remove it it should stop. Has the horse had it's teeth checked recently? Could you change to a different bit/bridle (possibly a bitless) to see if that makes a difference? Can you ride bareback and see if the saddle is having an effect? My mare gets really annoyed if it's windy - she snorts and chucks her head about - could there be something environmental that's causing the behaviour (dust, sun?)?
 
I first thought that there must be a reason for it but I spoke to his owner who said he does it because he is a Arab :confused:

He had his teeth done a month ago, and his back checked in feb and both were fine. He still does it when bareback
 
bettyboo222 said:
I first thought that there must be a reason for it but I spoke to his owner who said he does it because he is a Arab :confused:

Tosh! I have an arab and she doesn't toss her head. Whatever the breed I would guess that he does it because something is uncomfortable. Arabs are quick to tell you if something isn't right. What bit is he in? What noseband?
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What kind of snaffle? Maybe he is uncomfortable with the type of snaffle, and you could try another? Maybe he doesn't like the flash?

Or it could be a learned habit - he knows that he can't / isn't comfortable doing it with side reins on, and so doesn't do it then. But when they aren't on continues with his habit.

Does he do it all year round, or it could be a head shaker / pollen allergy kind of thing?

BTW - side reins aren't designed to be ridden in, just for lunging really. If you are riding with side reins on, please make sure that you always have someone on the ground to help you remove them in case anything goes wrong.

:)
 
Eggbut, He does it all year round.

I don't like riding in the side reins so I took them off owner came (Unexpectedly) to yard and she said I had to ride with them no two ways about it unless I managed to get him to stop headshaking, Do you think a martingale would be any help ?
 
I too have an arab who does not toss his head and neither did my last 2 arabs!!

I would suggest trying a different bit. You say you use an eggbutt snaffle - is it a single joint? Many arabs do not like single joints as there is not much room in the mouth, so with the nutcracker action hits the roof of the mouth.

I have found mullen mouths (not straight bars!) the best but a double jointed (french link) are also usually good for arabs.

Also a standing martingale maybe worth trying - much safer than side reins!

Does he really need the flash? My boy was ridden in a flash when I got him and went much better when it was removed! Just make sure the flash strap is not too tight as that could also be a contributing factor.
 
The head shaking can also be cause by back pain or ear mites.
For back pain, check saddle fit/back. For ear mites, put 2cc of mineral oil in the ears, that should take care of them.
 
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