~Throwing head in the air

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barney1

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I have recently purchased a 6 year old Dutch Warmblood, all o.k to start with (aren't they all) but now he constantly throws his head in the air, I did find out that the previous owners used draw reins a lot but I never have. Even if I hold the buckle end of the reins, he still does it, have had the physio out twice, dentist and saddler but he does not do it on the lunge. One friend suggested a bigger head band as Dutch Warmbloods have a broader head, no change, took the flash noseband off, no change, I have started having some lessons with a very knowledge guy who reckons that this is a vice and as he was sold vice-free I should try and get my money back, now we all know that's not going to happen. Has anyone got any ideas that may help, he used to do it occassionally when I first got him but does it all the time now. I am not at all heavy handed and he is in a happy mouth, turned out daily and has a good routine, so its not boredom.
 
Did you have him vetted? Has a vet looked at his back?

You say he is Ok on the lunge...
- do you lunge in same place you ride? (thinking irritation although not likely pollen/flies this time of year cd be dust or similar)
- do you lunge him in his bridle? (I don't usually like to but if it is that this wd be a way to test)

Can you get another trainer to look at the way you ride/try him themselves? TBH I'm not sure this sounds like a 'vice'... more like discomfort (which could be due to something pre-existing but might not be).

If this is under saddle only and not teeth/bridle related then rider position/weight, saddle and back sound like obviously things to (re)check.

Good luck.
 
This was exactly as my WB was. He was also ridden in draw reins in Holland.

My trainer has been amazing and says when he tosses his head it is about that he is unbalanced and not working from behind and is not stepping under. Try lots of circles leg yield in and then back out. Also counter circle leg yield and then back to correct bend has resolved his issues. We also start every session on the lunge with side reins to give a consistant contact with lots of transitions.
My WB is very sensitive to any tiny pinch in the saddle and he constantly changes shape and he has a full body massage every 3 months. ;)
 
As well as all the other suggestions, I'd check the Happymouth bit very,very carefully. Horses often chew them and roughen them. My Westpahlian, who has the biggest bridle I've ever used, and I've had Shires and Clydesdales with specially adapted bridles in the past, has a NS bit which is softer than the stainless steel bridle she came with. I know I need to check it if she starts to shake her head. I usually find a small bite mark, then I can rub it down. Unfortunately you won't be able to do that with HM.
 
Thank you all for your help, I have just found out that this has been a long term problem with the previous owner, she told me that she was selling him due to lack of time but I have since been told that quite a few extremely knowledgeable dressage riders have tried to sort him out in the past but have not succeeded.

Any sort of schooling pressure, however mild, he just says "back-off" obviously resents any schooling due to being put under a lot of pressure as a four year old, such a shame as he is only 6.

I have receipts and veterinary documents which she has signed declaring that this horse has no vices, besides head shaking, napping he is now standing on his back legs, I am going to try and get my money back. She seemed such a kind, genuine person, if I live to 85 I will never understand how people can be so dishonest with a super smile of their face.
 
I feel your pain!! hugs

I so hope you get your money back or even most of it would do

To be honest there could be a thousand reasons why he is doing it, my current horse did it when I first had him. Teeth done and he stopped for a while. Then on the odd occassion he would do it very briefly

now he has been diagnosed with PSD and I am not sure it is related, we just never know. However looking at videos of him doing it, he does seem to do it more when the hind end isnt working as well as it should, so there is probably a link between pain and him doing it
 
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