Training 16 yr old pleasure gelding with syrcingle

Question
My daughter has a 16 yr old qh gelding. He has been shown hus as well as wp. She has trouble slowing him down as well as keeping his head set. Someone suggested we lounge him with a syrcingle and draw reins. Any advice would be well appreciated

Answer
Dear Billi:
I am currently away at a a Regional show and will be unavailable to respond until later next week.
Sincerely,
S. Evans
Dear Billi:
Sorry It's taken so long to get back to you - it is the height of horse show season. Lunging with a surcingle is a good idea but I do not recommend the use of a tied back draw rein except under the careful eye of a professional and this is primarily used to force (yes - "force" this is a pretty extreme action) a horse to get off or to submit to a rein - not to collect. If you go to a sucingle - I'd use side reins with a rubber doughnut that provide some give - again- this is principally used for creating a frame and not for rating a horse's speed.
Instead, I would suggest definitely lunging to remove the horse's edge - let him (and encourage him) to "blow it off" on the lunge - this doesn't mean lunging him into the ground - simply until he relaxes his frame and lets down.
To rate his speed and shorten his stride - he must learn to answer the half halt - an aid that is exactly what its name implies. Beginning with your seat and closing both legs, gently take contact and soften when he answers the aids. Use surpentines, circles, and try to stay away from riding the rail. If he gets really forward - halt, rein back, and ask him to stand quietly for a moment of two. Do not spend too much time working on this in each session or you will sour him.
Best wishes,
S. Evans