setting head

[horselover]

Hi everyone! I found this site a little while ago, and I haven't had a chance to do anything but read the postings. But I have my riding lesson tomorrow, and I have just started working on these thigs: I am trying to keep him engaged in the hindquarters since we jump, also, he tends to hold his head very high, and once we start trotting, he is not really on the bit. He's quite young, only 5, and he has improved in so many areas since we have been riding together, so I know we can do this. My trainer just left, and I have a new one that I am not very impressed with- she hasn't been very helpful. So if anyone has any ideas, i would appreciate the input.
Thanks!

[Dizzy]

spent most of her life 'on the forehand', she wasn't to bad in walk, but when asked to trot she would be head in the air and swinging her front legs (she used to dish).

I was taught to start off all my schooling sessions by walking round the school using my legs and seat but leaving her head free ( a long rien). It was quite hair raising at first as she used to go like the clappers with her head still in the air and I was always tempted to reel her in to gain control, but to my amazement if I relaxed (which was hard, believe me!) and slowed her movement with the movement of my lower body she eventually slowed, dropped her head and started walking long and low, and after a while over tracking. When she reached this stage and I felt I was pushing her forward instead of slowing her down I was then allowed to ask for trot. At first I used to have to go through the whole rigmaroll again and revert to walking as she was a nervous sort, but eventually we got there, and unbelievably we achieved trot with no dishing - relaxed back, head low and coming in from behind, an amazing feeling I can tell you, but worth all the time it took.

I don't think your horse will take as long as Dizz took, she had alot of problems, but the secret is don't trot before you can walk! If the head is high and resisting your contact in walk it usually only gets worse in trot.

I hope this helps you, I'm by no means the greatest rider in the world, but I had two good teachers, my instructor and my beloved little horse Dizzy!! (God rest her Soul!)