Throw Head Up all the time

[mongy46]

I have just bought a horse and when I hack out he keeps throwing his head up all the time, even when I haven't got much of a contact. He also chops on his bit.

When I squeeze him on to try and stop him it get's worse and seems to do a rocking motion, ie can't get him to go from leg to hand.

He also does it in trot.

I am riding him in a hanging cheek and flash noseband.

I have been riding with a blanket underneath the saddle to keep him warm, could this be restricting him? as he's also moving abit short on his left shoulder.

I've only just had him vetted and the vet said his teeth were fine.

The old owner did say his teeth were in a bad state when she first got him a year ago.

Could it be teeth? fetlock/hock joint? any other suggestions?

 

[JanetGeorge]

Could it be teeth? fetlock/hock joint? any other suggestions?

Teeth most likely of those! It could also be back pain, ill-fitting saddle, he doesn't like the bit - or noseband - or both. Or it's probably most likely to be a training/riding error.

Get his teeth done by a GOOD EDT, get his back checked out, get his saddle fit checked. Put him in a French link bit and make sure it FITS - take off the Flash and replace it with a cavesson and MAKE SURE HIS BROWBAND IS BIG ENOUGH!! (Capitals for emphasis as this is one of THE most over-looked things and causes intense irritation to many horses.)

Once all that is straight, concentrate on ALLOWING him to move calmly forward. Don't try to hurry him - it's very likely to be a balance problem and he needs time to learn to balance under the rider and carry himself. Pushing him on when he is unbalanced WILL cause head throwing! AND unlevel movement. If he's STILL throwing his head after all that, get a GOOD instructor to watch you ride and see if it's you (and if she suggests a martingale, or side reins, or other bo**ocks like that, get ANOTHER instructor!