getting behind the bit?

[TeeBrown]

How do you stop a horse getting behind the bit? or what may be causing this?

[emm]

Your very brief on your question. By being behind the bit, i take it you mean with her head too far behind the vertical, and into her chest? If this is the case it is often due to a long period of being held in unnaturally, say by a gadget, or draw reins. You have not included enough details really to help. Do you know the horse's previous history? The horse's neck muscles become very stiff and set if they have been forced to work in this position, you will need to encourage her to stretch into the rein, and begin to allow her to work on a longer rein. Without any more details its hard to help.

[galadriel]

Horse may be uncomfortable in the bit; a differently shaped mouthpiece or different cheeks may relieve the problem.

If you have a horse who's getting behind the bit, you can unwind the neck a bit by lifting your hands straight upward. You don't want to leave them there, of course, just return the horse's nose to in front of the vertical and resume regular contact.

If the horse is repeatedly getting behind the bit, the horse is probably having a problem of some kind with the bit or with the contact.

[jUmPingIsLifE]

without watching you ride the horse, and like the other poster said her history its hard to say WHY she is going behind the bit. how are you using your hands, perhaps you are using them to much. i would much rather see a horse with his nose in the air then being behind the bit so when i feel tahoe going behind the bit i will slowly drop contact by letting reins slip throw my fingers then i really push him foward with my seat and legs and he then usually stretches down a little and i let him bring his nose right up if i have to then slowly pick up my contact again.

[TeeBrown]

Sorry, yes my message was very brief, it was late at night and I had just got back from the stables.

When a friend of mine rides, my horse is perfect, but when i get on he starts fine and then goes behine, so now I am thinking you are right about the contact, maybe i am trying to hard to bring him in and keep him there. I am going to try and ride long today and let go abit.

Thanks for your advise, sometimes you can't see the wood through the trees.