western pleasure horse

Question
Hi - I have an 8 yr.old gelding that I show in western pleasure. I need to know how to make him stay focused while working on a loose rein. He isn't afraid of crowds, and works well when among other horses - he just looks up and swings his head from side to side looking around. I ride with a short shank snaffle as he has a sensitive mouth. How do riders get their horses to keep their faces on the vertical while on a loose rein? Thank you for any help you can give me. Suanne

Answer
Dear Suanne:
You don't say what your horse's training/showing background has been. For example- is he a seasoned western pleasure horse that has just developed a habit, a horse that was only ever schooled for recreational riding (and therefore doesn't really understand about frame and headset) or does he perhaps have a background in cutting or penning- in which case he should be alert and "looking around?
Please let me know and this will help me to address your situation.
Thanks,
S. Evans