head throwing

[Fuzz and This]

Bullseye has just started throuwing his head up when being ridden in a trot. it has been happening for about 2 weeks now and he sometimes does it in canter too. its not a 'violent' head throw, its quite gentle but its just really annoying and i know he shouldnt be doing it! All the usual stuff has been checked about 2 months ago and he is ridden in a loose ring egbutt snaffle. how can i teach him to dtop doing it because i dont want to put a martingale on him unless i have no other choice.

[Showjumper]

Could it be that he's being annoyed by flies?

[Fuzz and This]

i did think that at first but i dont think it is, it seems like a habbit that he has got himself into. if it is then it could have been caused by the more inexperienced people that ride him on lessons (dont ask me why he gets used on that lesson, especially when the instructor isnt very good! - riding schools for you!) ive tried putting my hands down lower to stop it (that was just an idea, i dont know whether it would make it worse or whatever), telling him no and even giving him a gentle tap on the shoulder with the whip to let him know that what he's doing isnt good. i know its going to take a while to stop but im really not sure whether im taking the right steps to correcting the problem.

[Showjumper]

If he's been ridden by inexperienced riders, it could be that they bounce in trot, which hurts, so he's now expecting it to hurt. So he is tossing his head in retalliation, even though it doesn't hurt when you ride him...

[Fuzz and This]

ah ha!! i will be watching very closely on the lessons that i dont take from now on!! but how do i stop it???...........anyone??

[Showjumper]

Just very careful riding, make sure NOT to bounce, and praise him when he doesn't toss his head. I wouldn't tell him off for it, because then he's associating even more bad things with trot.

[Fuzz and This]

ok then, thats what ill do, thankyou!!! its funny how you dont think of a really simple answer (not you, me!)! thankyou again!

[Showjumper]

I hope it works! :) Good luck :D

[Stella2]

even if his back etc was checked a couple of months ago, its possible that he has put his poll and/or cervical spine (neck) out. Apparantly, horses do this very easy, playing around in the field, rolling in a box, pulling back on a rope and headcoller. If it doesn't improve, it may be worth getting him along to an equine chiropractor (some vets specialise), its something thats sorted then within minutes!