Head shaker/snatcher

[Hippyhorse]

Hi sorry if this is in the wrong place, wasn't sure if itbelonged in either the horse training or rider training sections.

As title says I have some questions about head shacking/snatching. The horse I am to be sharing did this a few times when I rode him yesterday, I couldn't see or feel a consistant trigger but every now and again (more so the closer we got to home) he would snatch his head down to the floor or shack it slightly up and down. I had purposely got him on quite a loose rein so don't think that was the issue and it wasn't only when he was unsure about something. What are the likely triggers for this, common causes so I can explore it further and try to sort it out. Any ideas?

[Walnut]

My horse does this too. There is an article in either 'Horse and Rider' or 'Your Horse' this month which discusses possible causes. It seems to suggest pollen as the main culprit if you are sure your tack, back and teeth are ok. To be honest, when my horse does it it is usually when we are heading towards home too and I think it's his way of telling me he'd rather trot or canter home since his dinner will be waiting! :D He almost never does it on a faster hack so I have interpretted it as frustration on his part! I too ride with a loose rein so I know I'm not pulling on his mouth and he is ridden in the softest bit possible!

[Hippyhorse]

bump

[Big Ears]

this time of year it could be pollen and allergic reaction.

does he have a history of it, is he ok in the winter? A nose net might help.