Expert: Sarah Lothmann - 2/22/2009

Question
Hello, I have a 14.2 piebald cob. Ive had him for about 3 years and not really had many problems, but recently after riding some of my friends horses I have started to notice that when I ride him he sticks his head out and tenses up his neck. I have tried to ride him with different rein lengths thinking that maybe I was pulling on his mouth to much but this does not seem to help.  
He is also very downhill, is there anything I can do to help this as I am finding it very hard?
Thank you
Susie.

Answer
His build will naturally make him want to carry his head out in an effort to balance his forward motion.  The tenseness you described could be indicative of some pain developing which often can in such conformation.  One thing a rider can do to improve this issue is to work diligently on proper balance both with rider and horse.  Try the light but still connected hand, and opening your hip angle.  Two words: Upward Transitions.  You want to be disciplined in controlled balanced upward transitions.  Spend a few months on this and his strength in his hind quarters will increase allowing him to shift his balance back more properly.