western

Question
HI. I have a 5YO QH mare, who I would like to show this summer. I would like to show her in Western Pleasure, but I don't know how to teach her to drop her head. I have her riding in a snaffel bit right now. Do I need to have a curb bit to teach her to drop her head or can I do this without a curb? How do I teach her to drop her head? THanks. -Erin

Answer
Dear Erin,
You DO NOT and SHOULD NOT use a curb to teach your mare to lower her frame. A snaffle is definitely the way to go. DO carefully consider her way of going and conformation as objectively as you can (or better yet- get someone who knows AQHA western to give you his/her opinion). Some horses are naturally inclined for WP and some are not. Those horses whose way of going is naturally quicker without a flat knee and those who tend to be higher headed will rarely be competitive on the AQHA circuit. This may not be your horse's situation at all but DO consider what is HER best way of going- you may have a first place English and a fourth place western horse.
If however- it's just a lack of schooling, I like to go to a fairly small snaffle (but NOT a wire) and a ten ring schooling martingale. I also like to do a lot of lunging in a surcingle and side reins.
Start slowly and give yourself a reasonable time frame. Most western QH's are pretty much finished in the bridle by 5 so you have a lot of catch up to do and it won't happen over night. Set realistic goals.
Begin by teaching her to give to your hands by driving her forward with your seat and leg into your hands- learn the half halt- gently "feather your reins (little jiggles that should be virtually imperceptible from the ground- this is NOT a "see-sawing" motion). When she (at the walk) reacts by giving her head and lowering her frame- soften your hands and tell her she's good. If she reacts by raising her head and showing resistance- continue to block an increase in speed while sitting deep and squeezing with your leg (I compare this to positioning a car against a wall and very slowly applying the gas). At first- even the smallest softening should be rewarded.
One the walk is there- you can begin the jog and eventually the lope.
Of course this is an incredibly simplified, condensed version of what will ultimately lead to a lower frame (as long as she's built for it). It isn't nearly as simple as it seems and if,along the way, you are in a position to get some professional advice- by all means take advantage of it.
DO be wary of the tie down- it is NOT the way to a fully draped, relaxed western horse. At best it is a gimmicky short cut that will ultimately lead to resistance.
Best wishes- take your time and remember to be be patient.
Sincerely,
S. Evans