I have had my 6 year old for about 6 months now he is doing good but he has been bobbing his head when I try to have some contact. Now I checked his teeth and they arn't verry sharp, and I have a very mild loose ring in his mouth, but even if I change the Bit he still does the same thing, I can't seem to figure out why he is doing that. If anyone has any suggestions on things I could do I would love to hear them
I really don't know what I'm talking about here, but Noah will throw his nose out if my contact is too light or too strong. You said he does this when you try to have some contact, have you tried increasing the contact? Noah likes firm but spongy contact with his mouth. If I go too light, he throws his head as though he looking for the contact to be established.
I agree with luvmyperch. Some horses actually like the contact a little more snug. If your reins go slack with every stride, he might just be asking for either a more consistent contact overall or just more contact itself. Just play around with it a little. If you trot around in circles and pay attention to particularly to the outside rein contact, you'll eventually find the sweet spot.
Is he always bobbing his head when a certain front foot falls?? Or is he tossing his head out of rhythm with his front legs?
Generally the term bobbing is used when the horse is moving his head and neck up and down at the same time as one of his legs. This usually indicates that the horse is sore in the front legs. The leg in which the head and neck are up will be the sore one.
When a horse is evading something they will toss or shake their head out of rhythm with their movement. This is a training issue that is especially common in young horses. I would recommend taking lessons with a knowledgeable instructor to help you. And stay away from gadgets!!
If you release the pressure when he bobs his head you are traininghim to do that. Keep the contact until he stops bobbing his head. Have a vet check his teeth first.
I think it might be a soundness issue. Head bobbing usually occurs when a horse is lame. The only way you could see the horse bobbing is when you drop to the buckle. But with your situation it is kinda backwords.
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