AboutJenn C Expertise I can answer questions on eventing, dressage, jumpers, some pony club, re-schooling race horses, and barn management. I have ridden western but am not an expert, so western questions best left to someone else.
Experience I have prepared and schooled horses for thee star level eventing, competed prelim, having also schooled to prix st george and competed second level dressage, shown in jumpers schooled 4'6". I am also a PC grad at the C level, now a current sponsor of the club in my area. I have managed stables as large as 97 horses, most of the horses were competing at the national level (some were international level horses).
Organizations USEA, USEF, USPC (sponsor at club level), preparing for USEA instuctor program, working towards USDF and USEA officals program.
Education/Credentials Trained under and/or worked for international three day event riders on regular basis for the past 12 years.
Past/Present Clients Currently the Clouser Event Team is based out of Wishing Well Equestrian Center.
Expert: Jenn C Date: 2/9/2008 Subject: does not like contact
Question My 7 yr old gelding has started to throw his head and fight the bit
when ever i try to get him to bend, even with light contact. Its not
the
bit, ive tried many different kinds, I have a hunter dee ring on him
now. I used to seesaw but i learned that was bad so I started to use
my
legs to push him into the bit and I half halt with the outside rein.
Even if I just barely half halt or have contact he tries to pull the
bit
from my hands and shakes his head. I try pushing him forward but it
does
not work. The only thing that works is giving him the reins and having
no contact but then he puts his head straight in the air. He doesnt
stretch this way and im trying to teach him to bend so this isnt good"
(his teeth are fine)
Answer Hello Kelly,
The fact of your horse 'fighting' the contact is not uncommon! First thing is, if you had the habit of see-sawing on this horse he remembers that. He is waiting for you to go back to the old habits, and he may have a very soft mouth in which case that type of riding was hurting him. Second is the bits being used. You stated having used different kinds, did that include moullens and double jointed. If so that than it is most likely your hands (old habits) and your horses not understanding just what to do. Third thing to check is that your horses is not sore or painful in his back, neck, shoulders, or hunches. Pain in any of those areas will make bending not a nice thing for your horse. Fourth, is you horse relaxed during his training sessions? He must be relaxed and focused on your aids (legs, seat, and hands) before he can even try and bend through his body.
Try this; When you half-halt on the reins, try using different amounts of weight/pressure. It may be that your hands are putting alot of pull on the bit or that your horse needs more pressure for the split monment to get the concept of what is being asked of him. Some horses respond to the lightest (about 3ozs.) touch while others to the heavier (about 5lbs.) touch. Also give this time!! I don't know how long you have been working on bending, but some horses pick it up over night while others (like a draft horse I am working with right now) it takes a few months. One other idea is to change directions and sizes of patterns ALOT!!
Remember bending is not just about the head set! You are working the rib cage, haunches, neck and shoulders. Make sure your horse is listening and "on the aids" before working on the head positioning. Once your horse is "on the aids" he will eventually relax into a comfortable position for his head and neck, equally on the bit.
