Snatching at the bit

[noblesteed]

Just this week since I've had horsey back in work after the snow, I have noticed him getting rather stroppy about me taking up a contact. He is well schooled and is very able to work nicely in an outline, though can get a bit willful. He has only been hacked this week due to mud and just keeps fighting for his head all the time. Like he wants his reins really long - god knows why. He is objecting to a tiny bit of contact by nearly yanking my arms out of their sockets. He did do this occasionally prior to the Big Freeze and I usually smacked his neck of pulled back. His teeth were done in October and none of his tack has changed. He has a french link loose ring snaffle and a flash for hacking.
After 6 days of this my arms are very achy and I am sure his mouth must be sore.
Without getting into a tug of war battle, which is good for neither my arms or his mouth, are there any suggestions to prevent his behaviour? I am sure it is just bad manners!!!!

 

[ThePony]

Most likely some discomfort somewhere. Perhaps he is getting a little tired towards the end of a hack, maybe his weight has changed a little over the winter and is enough to push the fit of his saddle out? Was your dentist the usual one you get, is he thorough? If your boy had any sharp edges before he had his teeth done he might have a little remembered pain?
What ever the reason I wouldn't just haul back - in his mind you will just be reinforcing his idea that he isn't confident to take the contact forwards. If no other probs at all then I would ignore him (I know it isn't easy, my mare has a few head shaky months each spring and does this - a balance strap helps me to keep my hands steady and non reactive) and just ensure it isn't a way out of work by keeping him working nicely forwards.

 

[Lollii]

My horse does this when he gets anxious (which is most of the time ) I have had his teeth done, back checked and worked on and saddle checked, all is ok now but I think he has had pain in the past.

When I took him hunting I thought my arms had come out of their sockets, I had blisters on my hands and my neck and back were really sore

Anyway, we have tried everything to try and change him; calmer's, private lessons/clincs, professional schooling (most of the RC instructors have tried him) loads of different bits (I have spent a fortune!) and different nosebands, headpieces, saddle pads/numnahs/gelpads & saddles but he is still the same 2 years later (he is 11 years old now) so I don't think it is anything we can do now, it is his way when he gets stressed.

Good luck!