Suggestions for youngster who giraffes...

Spyda

Spyda

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her head up all of the time?

We're just lunging ATM - in a Verbindend and long German reins, but she's one of those horses that's 'hot' and easily distracted. She'll move well until something distracts her and then she's head up - nose poking - gawping into the distance. I was hoping she'd settle as she matured (she's 5 this spring) but this is continuing to happen more than tolerably during our 20 min schooling sessions. Frankly, until she starts to be a little less distracted and able to pay more attention to her work, I don't fancy sitting on her back. Anyone got experience with younsters like this? What works to help them concentrate when it counts and learn to stop beaking their head. If I was sat up on her, her ears would end up in my mouth!!! Sure, she'll settle after a manic few minutes but this has continued for quite a while now, with no signs of her stopping the behaviour. Suggestions anyone??? :)
 
I have just broken my youngster and i used lots of Longlineing. you may have a little more control over what her head is doing if you have 2 reins rather than one rein. That way when she throws her head up you can gently encourage a lower head carrage using what would be your reins..

I dont work my youngster in an outline yet as she isnt strong enough through her back, and i dont mind if she 'occasionally lifts her head up' as is hard work for her as long as when asked to work again she listens and responds. long and low is what were working on and ive used both longlineing and a bungie rein as isnt as harsh as side reins and encourages a lower head carrage rather than force.

I would also suggest is she looses interest quickly then lots of transitions up and down to keep her thinking and concentrating.. mine was exactly the same when we first started and everyone said to take her somewhere quiet to work but my argument was then thinsg would be scary and interesting for her.. so i lunged and worked with her in our front field lots and lots going on until she learned to listen to me rather than surrounding factors.. Good luck not sure if this was any help but worked for me and im no pro 1st one ive done :)
 
Yes, I agree with not taking her off somewhere quiet to work (not that there IS anywhere quiet and away from other horses at our yard - LOL), since she'll go doubly-nuts when she's in equine company again. She is the sort of horse that is highly strung and alert all of the time - even loose in her field or being led in to her stable from the field.

I was hoping to start light ridden work in the next week or two, but frankly don't feel like I'd be in full control if she continues to statue, looking off into the distance, or to throw her head right up to stare distractedly, ignoring her trainer. She's the sort that if you jerk her out of her reverie she explodes with excitement. Don't really fancy being on top of that!!!! :D

BTW she's eating hay, winter grazing and 600g Spiller's lite balancer so I can't even blame her diet.
 
I'm not a gadget fan but I don't mind a bungee as it backs up what I'm trying to do with hands and seat. So they get the hint easier of where you want the head to work. Most other things work only when you have them on.

You can also try a thick fleece piece over the noseband. Changes the eyesight a little in that bringing the head down is a happier place for them. Again it's independent and backs up what you're trying to do with hand and seat.

Edit to add, I'm not an expert but these things have worked for me in establishing what I want from my horses.

Good luck,
Terri
 
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