high head

[griffytayherb]

my thoroughbred used to do jumpers, so his head is really high up. i always place poorly in shows because of his nonhunter head. last show the judge called him "the big red horse with his head sticking way up in the air"!how do i get his head down so we can start winning our classes?

[amanti20]

Thank you. That is my question exactly!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[zola is gr8]

what bit do you ride him in?
try a different bit....like a lozenge(sp?)

[Naturally]

High head carriage is probably a combination of muscle memory and being a little highly strung... i.e. anticipating that he needs to be UP,physically and emotionally.

It might be beneficial to teach your horse that it's OK to lower his head, and that he receives comfort when it's there.

From the ground, if you apply pressure between his ears in up to 4 strengthening phases (hair, skin, muscle, bone) and RELEASE, the minute he lowers his head (or even tries). Give him a minute to mull that over and he'll probably lick his lips. Then wait another minute or so and do it again. If you repeat this exercise for a few minutes daily you will find that he is moving off the pressure and at lighter phases, and if so, then keep them light, you don't need to go to phase 3 if he's moved at 2.

So that will sort it out from the ground. When you've got that solid (it might take a week or more), practice it from sitting on his back. If you do it long enough and slow enough, it should start to pay off without you needing to remind him. You could make your phase one something like a rub on the whither, so that when your in the ring and he's got it solid, he knows to lower his head.

He gets reward every time you leave him alone when he's done it right, so be sure to reward the slightest try, especially at the start.

If you are finding that he's not moving off the pressure at all initially, apply a little downward lead rope pressure at your phase 4, then release both hands as soon as he moves.

You will really need to feel FOR your horse. It will be a big deal for him by the sound of it. Don't be critical of him and allow him and yourself time. Also practice giving him some "down" time while your on his back. Just time to stand and do nothing while you are riding him. You'll find that he'll lower his head and relax and he needs to know that he can do that with you.

Hope that helps, and if you give it a try I'd love the feedback on how you went.

Cheers

[griffytayherb]

thanks to you all!

[Jessey]

I have an arab x TB who used to do (and can still if he wants) a great giraffe impression :D I used a 'head' command whilst in hand (like Naturally said) and then use that same voice command when you ask for it on their back.
When first asking for Bo to lower his head I would let my hands come a little wider and lower than normal and as soon as he did it return them to normal, he got the idea pretty quickly and now has a 'western pleasure' head carrige 90% of the time :D
Correct steady schooling is the best bet, but sometimes something like a Bungee can be very helpful just to give him the idea.

J x

[griffytayherb]

thank you guys. i have been working with my trainer getting him relaxed and calm and he now has his head like a total hunter!!!!!!! :D lets hope at the show he wont get nervous and bring his head up in the air!

[griffytayherb]

he won hunter under saddle!! :D

[Santi]

Thats great!
Mine only puts his up when he's excited but he doesn't listen well then! Well done to do so well in the ring !