Strong & Leaning WWYD

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AA&B

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Whilst in the school or out hacking, B alternates between carrying his head high so that you have no control, and leaning on the bit which is physically tiring. He has also discovered napping recently and I feel like I have no control over him when I'm out on my own. This is starting to have an effect on my confidence, and I need to get the problem sorted.

Can anyone recommend me some bits that could help? I've never been able to get him into a correct or consistant outline either - despite riding leg to hand. I'm not worried about an outline straight away I just want to feel in control again and hack out on my own without feeling like im close to tears when we get home
 
What would I do? About 1 million transitions, and get a decent instructor to help me understand why the horse was doing this, and not accepting the contact. What I would not do is immediately blame the bit and start tricking around changing from one to another. A bit is only as effective as the hands on the other end of the reins.
 
Cortez said:
What would I do? About 1 million transitions, and get a decent instructor to help me understand why the horse was doing this, and not accepting the contact. What I would not do is immediately blame the bit and start tricking around changing from one to another. A bit is only as effective as the hands on the other end of the reins.
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*applauds enthusiastically*

Absolutely this.
 
Cortez said:
What would I do? About 1 million transitions, and get a decent instructor to help me understand why the horse was doing this, and not accepting the contact. What I would not do is immediately blame the bit and start tricking around changing from one to another. A bit is only as effective as the hands on the other end of the reins.
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I do a lot of transitions, and unfortunately due to not having a school lessons with a decent instructor are few and far between. I'm not blaming the bit, but I don't think the current bit helps (full cheek mullen mouth)

Thank you for your advice though - I will look into hiring a school for lessons
 
This not a bit problem it's a training issue.
Train the horse properly ( with help If necessary ) and things will improve .
 
A mullen mouth will encourage leaning - it's what I'd use if I had a horse that was afraid of the bit. What type of horse have you got? Cob? TB? Pony?
 
I agree with the transitions to keep him listening to you.

I was having problems with my youngster leaning, lightbulb moment, he was leaning because I was fixing my hands, giving him something to lean into. I started giving him the reins so he had to carry himself. He leant quite badly to the point the first time I gave my reins he nearly ended up on his nose! Now I check my hands/ elbows are soft and spongey no matter how tense or nervous I maybe.
 
I would start by 'throwing the reins away ' and ride him with no contact so he can't lean. Turn him with your legs and body and do lots of circles and changes if pace and direction. Use your reins as little as possible and once he us on the line you want him on, give him his head straight away. I'd also agree that a straight bar is a recipe for leaning. I'd try a single joint as some lean in a French link
 
apachediamond said:
I agree with the transitions to keep him listening to you.

I was having problems with my youngster leaning, lightbulb moment, he was leaning because I was fixing my hands, giving him something to lean into. I started giving him the reins so he had to carry himself. He leant quite badly to the point the first time I gave my reins he nearly ended up on his nose! Now I check my hands/ elbows are soft and spongey no matter how tense or nervous I maybe.
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This is interesting -perhaps I'm anticipating the napping and fixing my hands, encouraging him to lean. Will try this
 
saddlesore said:
I would start by 'throwing the reins away ' and ride him with no contact so he can't lean. Turn him with your legs and body and do lots of circles and changes if pace and direction. Use your reins as little as possible and once he us on the line you want him on, give him his head straight away. I'd also agree that a straight bar is a recipe for leaning. I'd try a single joint as some lean in a French link
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I'll have a try at giving him the reins. Thankyou
 
AA&B said:
He's a cob
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Ah, thought that might be the case :-) They find it really pleasant to lean as cobs tend to be big over the shoulders (originally bred to be small draught horses, see). Same advice applies, however if nothing seems to work in the future you might try a kimblewick or something similar - many cobs despise all snaffles :-)
 
Cortez said:
Ah, thought that might be the case :-) They find it really pleasant to lean as cobs tend to be big over the shoulders (originally bred to be small draught horses, see). Same advice applies, however if nothing seems to work in the future you might try a kimblewick or something similar - many cobs despise all snaffles :-)
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I shall take your advice on board, thank you
 
Bit wise I would use a loose ring NS transangled lozenge or a loose ring waterford bit. With the waterford I would aim to only use it for a couple of months and then only occasionally if needed.

Training wise I would aim to hack him in company untill you have a more consistent contact and he is more obedient to your aids. There is no point overfacing yourself by trying to address all your issues at the same time.

And I would also recommend you get a trainer to get an expert opinion on where things are going wrong. A trainer can also give you exercises you can do when not in lessons which can help give you focus in your riding (which in turn might help with your riding, horses tend to pick up on when their riders have a clear plan and tend to trust them more as leaders).
 
Cortez said:
What would I do? About 1 million transitions, and get a decent instructor to help me understand why the horse was doing this, and not accepting the contact. What I would not do is immediately blame the bit and start tricking around changing from one to another. A bit is only as effective as the hands on the other end of the reins.
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We have a winner :-) good advice
 
Rode out in company this morning. Found that having someone to chat to helped a lot. Did lots of transitions: halt to walk, back down again. trot a couple of strides back to walk etc, as well as shortening and legnthening the strides in walk. Had a baby canter - the first canter i've had out on a hack since october and nothing bad happened!
Have ordered a loose ring snaffle for now as I'm a bit wary of the waterford yet but will get one if needs be. Also have a lesson booked for wednesday.

Thank you to everyone, especially Cortez who made me realise I was being a wimp. I just need to get my big girl pants out and make sure I don't let B quirks get the better of me. :)
 
Cortez said:
What would I do? About 1 million transitions, and get a decent instructor to help me understand why the horse was doing this, and not accepting the contact. What I would not do is immediately blame the bit and start tricking around changing from one to another. A bit is only as effective as the hands on the other end of the reins.
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That.
 
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