Lowering head - what's the correct response?

[loopyh]

When I was out on my hack today my horse was lowering her head as if to eat grass or whatever - RI said its because she was enjoying herself which I think it great but when the horse does this do I just let them or encourage them to lift her head back up?

[vimto92]

I think its fine to let horses stretch long and low, so if i was in your position i probably would let her do it unless she started getting too close to a horse in front whatsoever. Ifs he drinks or eats, leg on and a tweak on the reins.

[Berry]

I would not let the horse put its head down when it wants to, because then you are not in control. At the faster paces, there is a risk a horse could buck or be naughty if it puts its head right down. Also the horse needs to learn to listen to what you ask. If she puts her head down when you don't want or tries to eat, I would ask her to walk forward with a firm leg aid which should lift her head and pressure on the reins if that fails - unless there is a poisonous plant within teeth range in which case a tug away is in order :D

If you are just walking along the horse is probably feeling relaxed or tired or trying to sneak some grass! The horse I ride asks for a long rein by trying to stretch his head down. There's no harm in letting your horse have a long rein for a bit as long as you are safe ie. not on a road or where the horse could spook but make sure it is you that dictates when the horse can stretch out. It's good practise for when you are in the school as well.

[Meovcorz]

I wouldn't let your horse throw it's head down. Just recently I had a horse that was doing that in a Trot when I was trying to do a figure of eight, but you CANNOT turn when the horse has his/her head down like that. I was was having a heap of trouble with that so finally I went on this forum and searched head throwing and someone was saying in their that as soon as your horse throws his head down get him to turn and just keep on turning in a circle the finally then just go on with what you were doing. When my horse was doing that my saddle was also coming forward, and it was kind of getting scary :) ! So try that it might help, it helped for me anyway.

Pilgrims5