above the bit, under the bit.

[Libby]

Hi
my pony will not go properly on the bit!
At a walk she goes under the bit and if I nudge her more
she starts to walk sideways or even sticks her head right in and backs up.
At a trot or canter her head comes up to being normal, but when I give the aids she either goes under or above.
I was reading a book and I gathered that I may have hard hands????
I know she knows how to do it since she is a school master.
Does anyone have any suggestios how I can perfect this??
thanks.

[Wally]

What bit do you use?

Have you had her teeth checked?

Is her back OK?

Does the saddle fit?

There a 101 things that could be making her do this. It may not just be hard hands.

[Somethingroyal]

Well I have never had this same problem, but do you have a martingale on her? that might help keep her from sticking her head up. When she sticks her head down you could try asking her for a faster gait, then half-halt to slow her down. Do try to keep your hands moving w/ her neck so that she is comfortable. You can also pull her head to one side or the other with the reins to get it where you want it.