"Head too low"

[TBEventer2002]

I've been schooling my gelding onto the bit (just a continuation of what his previous owner had started). He's doing great, not holding the outline very long, but that is partially my fault for 'forgetting' to put him back in :rolleyes:. We're working on that, LOL.

Anyways, I have a question. :D Rumby has recently started giving with his nose beautifully into a hunter-type frame. However, this makes his head too low for dressage (I know, I am just showing him Intro and Training, but still, might as well get it correct now so I don't have to fix it later). His poll ends up either level with his withers or just below them. I have tried lots of transitions to get him engaging even a little bit behind but he just flops on his forehand. When I bought him, he was very on the forehand and has since balanced out nicely with working more over jumps to strengthen his hindquarters. He's actually built slightly uphill, so this whole headset thing is especially surprising.

Any tips or ideas or exercises? Someone suggested sidereins, but that won't help bring his head up necessarily, would it?

Thanks! :)

Edited to add... He's currently ridden in a French Link snaffle. He really has started pulling a bit once we are in a particular gait, but almost never during transitions, if that helps!!!

[Jane.A]

Continue with the transitions but ensure that they are sharp and that he is truly infront of the leg. Also vary them, trot two strdes of walt trot. Then seven strides of walk etc so he doesn't anticipate but is listening and on your aids. It might also be helpful to raise your hands a little for a couple of strides to lift the head then put them back in position so you are in effect showing him where you want him to be. You could also try dropping the contact periodically to ensure he isn't using your hands to balance on. I also occasionally give a little slap with the rein as well as a leg aid to encourage up with the transition and out with the nose. Hope something I've said might help.:)