stopping head throwing

AmberLou · 01-30-2004, 01:24 PM

I've recently got a horse who is a 14 yr old QH who stand 15 HH. The problem I have with him, is either with or without a tie-down he still throws his head. Mainly he does this when either I ask him to back, or to turn in a direction he doesn't want to go. Sometimes, he just throws his head to be obnoxious I think. How can I correct this, or can it ever be fixed?? Thanks for any help!! pony pony

Dawn · 01-30-2004, 01:25 PM

What kind of bit are you using, what kind of bit was he previously being ridden in, and when was the last time his teeth were floated or checked.

AmberLou · 01-30-2004, 01:29 PM

He's currently being rode with a curb, its the same bit and bridle, and saddle for that matter, that the previous owners used, mainly because I havent had the time to get my own tack yet. Im not sure when he's teeth were floated last, but Im pretty sure that has been a while. Could that be his problem?? but if im not mistaken, he's done this even to his previous owners...

Dawn · 01-30-2004, 01:31 PM

Sounds like it's either a bit issue or a teeth issue. Or even possibly both. I would get the dentist out to do his teeth. What type of curb is it? Are you using it appropriately for the type bit it is?

AmberLou · 01-30-2004, 01:33 PM

Im not sure what type of curb it is....i do know its what hes been riden with for the last 3 yrs....i've been told to try using a twisted snaffle...would that help?? im planning on goin to the vet as soon as i can now....

Dawn · 01-30-2004, 01:34 PM

I would definately not recommend a twisted anything. Can you describe the bit and how you use it? (rein contact, cues, etc...) Type mouthpiece, shank length, purchase lenght?

AmberLou · 01-30-2004, 01:37 PM

Im not really formiluar with differnt bits...but i do know he neck reins really well, and does some verbal commands, so i do very little leg pressure....i kinda want to say its short...because from the bit to the where the rein attach is very short...but i dont know...

QHGirl · 01-30-2004, 01:57 PM

Does he respond to leg pressure? Sounds like TOO much hand movement. Try using more leg aids and other things rather than always using reins and pulling the bit.

Try getting a standard snaffle at a tack store. Try that bit. Sounds like a tooth issue (teeth floated) and maybe his bit. Could be a combo of things! Keep us updated!

AmberLou · 01-30-2004, 02:09 PM

he responds to both neck reining and leg pressure......im just not sure why he constantly wants to throw his head, he does both when riding and when just on a halter

QHGirl · 01-30-2004, 02:13 PM

HUM... sounds more like a habbit or some other issue? Is he uncomfortable in any way? is it when he turns one way rather than the other, even on the ground in a halter? Maybe he is sore, or hurting. Just a thought!

01-30-2004, 01:24 PM	#1
AmberLou Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 10	stopping head throwing I've recently got a horse who is a 14 yr old QH who stand 15 HH. The problem I have with him, is either with or without a tie-down he still throws his head. Mainly he does this when either I ask him to back, or to turn in a direction he doesn't want to go. Sometimes, he just throws his head to be obnoxious I think. How can I correct this, or can it ever be fixed?? Thanks for any help!! pony pony

01-30-2004, 01:57 PM	#8
QHGirl Senior Member+ Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 7,079 Images: 276	Does he respond to leg pressure? Sounds like TOO much hand movement. Try using more leg aids and other things rather than always using reins and pulling the bit. Try getting a standard snaffle at a tack store. Try that bit. Sounds like a tooth issue (teeth floated) and maybe his bit. Could be a combo of things! Keep us updated! __________________ I must not forget to thank the difficult horses, who made my life miserable, but who were better teachers than the well-behaved school horses who raised no problems. -Alois Podhaisky I've been Snowballed!!!!

01-30-2004, 02:13 PM	#10
QHGirl Senior Member+ Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 7,079 Images: 276	HUM... sounds more like a habbit or some other issue? Is he uncomfortable in any way? is it when he turns one way rather than the other, even on the ground in a halter? Maybe he is sore, or hurting. Just a thought! __________________ I must not forget to thank the difficult horses, who made my life miserable, but who were better teachers than the well-behaved school horses who raised no problems. -Alois Podhaisky I've been Snowballed!!!!

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01-30-2004, 01:25 PM	#2
Dawn Senior Member+ Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Tennessee Posts: 31,458 Images: 1390	What kind of bit are you using, what kind of bit was he previously being ridden in, and when was the last time his teeth were floated or checked.

01-30-2004, 01:29 PM	#3
AmberLou Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 10	He's currently being rode with a curb, its the same bit and bridle, and saddle for that matter, that the previous owners used, mainly because I havent had the time to get my own tack yet. Im not sure when he's teeth were floated last, but Im pretty sure that has been a while. Could that be his problem?? but if im not mistaken, he's done this even to his previous owners...

01-30-2004, 01:31 PM	#4
Dawn Senior Member+ Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Tennessee Posts: 31,458 Images: 1390	Sounds like it's either a bit issue or a teeth issue. Or even possibly both. I would get the dentist out to do his teeth. What type of curb is it? Are you using it appropriately for the type bit it is?

01-30-2004, 01:33 PM	#5
AmberLou Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 10	Im not sure what type of curb it is....i do know its what hes been riden with for the last 3 yrs....i've been told to try using a twisted snaffle...would that help?? im planning on goin to the vet as soon as i can now....

01-30-2004, 01:34 PM	#6
Dawn Senior Member+ Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Tennessee Posts: 31,458 Images: 1390	I would definately not recommend a twisted anything. Can you describe the bit and how you use it? (rein contact, cues, etc...) Type mouthpiece, shank length, purchase lenght?

01-30-2004, 01:37 PM	#7
AmberLou Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 10	Im not really formiluar with differnt bits...but i do know he neck reins really well, and does some verbal commands, so i do very little leg pressure....i kinda want to say its short...because from the bit to the where the rein attach is very short...but i dont know...

01-30-2004, 02:09 PM	#9
AmberLou Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 10	he responds to both neck reining and leg pressure......im just not sure why he constantly wants to throw his head, he does both when riding and when just on a halter