Throwing head up when going into canter

Question
Hi I have a 19 year old TB Gelding and I have owned him for about a year. When he goes into canter he throws his head up for about a stride and then relaxes again. I have tried taking my weight off the saddle slightly and letting him have a long rein as I ask for the canter but nothing has worked so far. Any advice on how I can get him to keep his head down and rounded when I go into canter would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks heaps, Jodie.

Answer
Hi Jodie!

Sometimes you just have to say "Who cares?"  Ignore, ignore, ignore.  If it is simply for a stride and then no issues follow, leave it.

He's 19, most likely of the track and may have never gotten any training in bit acceptance, going in a frame and maintaining it at all gaits.

So, relax and praise him for all the good he does  :)

It's like having a husband who breathes loudly during your favorite TV show.  He knows how to breathe but, he does it "his way" and you have to simply turn up the volume and pretend he's not there!

Good luck and remember to always wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet!

Solange