upwards trot

[madarab]

this should probably go under training of the rider actually! :o

I ride a pure-bred arab who normally has a very springy but nice trot - sets off at 100mph but settles to match me if i slow my rising up and down

however if he doesnt want to trot (being lazy) or if hes being a bit spooky about something (like a scary hedge! :p) then he sets off into a very uphill trot - his head comes right up and he basically trots on the spot almost!!

i ride with quite a loose contact so hes not evading it - ive tried dropping the contact but he carries on with his nose in the air, if i put my leg on too much he canters on the spot!! (even though im not giving the aids for canter!) so Im just after some tips to make him extend and drop his head a bit please so we actually go somewhere :rolleyes:

I dont have access to a school so its all hacking on roads and bridleways

any help much appreciated :D thankyou :)

[Cheeky]

Hmm, has he ever been taught the dressage movements?? Or any??

Try ... hmm this is odd lol. Maybe a few voice commands?? Like "trot on" or maybe a little pat on the rump with your hand to let him know going forwards is ok :P Why do you think he does this?

[madarab]

thanks cheeky :) hes an ex-racer, but I dont think he ever did any dressage or anything - and he doesnt jump at all! :p

its only when he doesnt want to trot (when hes being lethargic and slow or looking at interesting stuff over other side of the road!) or when hes on his toes that he goes into this silly head in the air trot, so I do think hes doing it as a form of evasion, hes never nasty and will do what i ask - just sometimes a bit grudgingly!

I talk to him all the time, i click him on and tell him "trot on" - when he wants to trot he'll go off on voice commands alone so i know he understands what im asking of him! :o i dont like using a stick but will try patting his rump with my hand - might push him on a bit :D