hothead horse

Question
I have a lot of questions obviously concerning my horse, Ruby. Ruby is a 12 year old Appendix quarter horse. I love the horse to death, but am at a loss at how to get her over some obstacles. Ruby is a hothead. She's not a complete hothead, for she can be excellent on some rides. How do I get her supple and soft on the bit? If I ask her to move forward, she tries to go faster and I end up holding her back and her head is up until she relaxes again. Are there any exercises to get her soft and more relaxed? She just wants to run. I know you can't change her personality, but is there some way I can channel all that energy into something that will benefit us both? At the moment I am working on her stops. I want her to react faster than she is.
Also, whenever I turn Ruby she rushes forward to go faster. Ruby is a western horse and a superb neckreiner. But when I turn her, she puts that head up in the air and fights me to go faster. I was told via the internet to work on her with circles and serpentines as it might be a balance problem. Do you have any other suggestion?

Sorry for the long letter, but I really want to further Ruby and I along our relationship.

Valerie.

Answer
Hello Valerie,

You don't say if you are riding English or Western.  As I say in my profile, I do not train Western nor do I give advice for western riders.  I am out of my depths there because I have never ridden Western.

If you are riding English, you simply need more training in classic seat, use of aids and in basic training of horse.  You need to learn the half-halt, full halt and turning using seat and legs only...no rein.  Also it sounds like she is in a bit that is much too harsh.  I don't know if you are using a snaffle, curb, twisted wire, or what.  Perhaps if you give me a little more info I can help better.

Please let me know a little more about your riding experience.

Best wishes,
Dorothy