horse pulls head down while riding

Question
QUESTION: Hi!  The horse I am riding (only twice now, so far)seems to have the habit of dropping his head/pulling hard on the reins while being ridden.  He's a six-year-old Quarter Horse that has been ridden mostly by children.  It isn't that he's trying to eat grass, it happens in the arena.  He was in a slow-twist snaffle, he's now in a smooth snaffle which seems to make the problem worse.  What else can I try?  I don't WANT to go to a stronger bit, but I'm afraid he's going to pull me over his head!  Do you think a bitless bridle would help or make it worse?  What sort of training might help?  Thanks!!!

ANSWER: Hello Molly,

I attempted to reply last night but my web service was having a bad hair day and I couldn't send the message.  So here goes again:

A horse puts his head down to stretch his back and wants to do this moreso when a saddle and rider are on his back.  The only correct remedy for this is NOT to pull, but to allow the horse to put his head down all the way to the buckle if he wants.  BUT at the same time you drive him forward with your legs or crop...make him work.  Go round and round the arena and when he tires he will bring his head up all by himself.  It takes two to pull and you are right...he will pull you right out of the saddle. So don't play HIS game...make him play yours.  WORK FORWARD.  Keep him in the easy bit.  When he brings his head up keep just enough contact to guide and control him.  If and when (he will) he wants to stretch again, allow it.  When he can trust that he can stretch when he wants, he won't pull so much.  Stretching the back enables the hind end to work farther under him and enables him to eventually do collected work.  But this is far off in training.  

Happy riding,
Dorothy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your thorough reply!  I appreciate it a lot and will try it.  I've ridden a lot of horses in my life and have never had this happen!  I have had horses try to stretch, certainly, but never so violently!  It really seems as if he's trying to get rid of me.  Do you think this is possible?  The other problem is that as soon as I lose contact, which of course happens, here, he gets all flustered and can't figure out which way to go and won't continue on straight.  He is six, but has not learned much other than having a western saddle slapped on his back and having kids pull him around by his mouth.  I fear it is very hard already!  Any thoughts?  Thank you SO SO SO much!!
ANSWER: Hi Molly,

Work him in a 20 meter circle, using only enough rein contact to keep him on the circle.  If you know that he is just being a brat, if he jerks the reins out of your hands, do what we call making a bridge.  Plant your left hand on the pummel of the saddle (English saddle?) and cover it with your right hand. Then brace your wrists and he cannot pull you over then.  This problem may require the expertise of an experienced remidial trainer to get  on his back and do it. But try that and  see if it works.  One thing important to remember is that it is difficult for him to play these games if he is working, so keep him on that circle at a working trot.  Change direction each 10 minutes and let him walk each 5 minutes.

Good luck,
Dorothy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you again!!  I'm glad to hear you say that about the bridge.....that's what I was doing, but I'm concerned about his mouth....part of why I was thinking about the bitless bridle.  I will keep at it as I have only ridden him twice so far.  I need to ask his owner if this was a problem before.  I should also tell you that the reason I'm riding him now is because he got his adult owner life-flighted off of her farm!  She got a severe concussion and five broken ribs and doesn't remember what happened.  I'm beginning to wonder if it may have been this very thing!!  For obvious reasons, she doesn't want any kids on him and she is not allowed to ride until at least January, so here I am, just trying to figure this out...I'm sorry to be so long-winded, I'm getting into detais only so you have a more complete picture with which to work and base your advice.  I really, truly appreciate your time and effort in this venture of mine!!!

Thanks a million!
Molly


Answer
Hi Molly,

Use side reins on him when mounted and before mounting him, lunge him 20 meter circle as though you were riding him, about 40 minutes...10 minutes each direction and then switch.  As you work, take the side reins in gradually with each rest stop until he is on about 1 lb of contact when working. This should annoy him and he will try to pull down and he can't without discomfort.  I also like to lunge spoiled horses in the Chambogue. You can ride in it after a bit or readjustment and it acts to keep his head in a better position. You can get one from Anne's Tack Shack and it is not expensive. Made from nylon instead of leather.

This guy is playing his game and he is much too fresh.  Take the starch out of him before mounted work and do be careful.  We don't want you flying out too.  But this horse needs "forward" until he is very tired for about 10 days in a row.

Dorothy