Old Problem Solved New Problem Arrived!

Well Basically the gate problem is pretty much solved, were finally starting to get in some good trot strides again. Far from where we were but Better then a few weeks ago.

Anyways!

NEW PROBLEM!

Number 1:
Well now she wont stop at the gate, but when going along the short side faceing it she will lower her head and get real heavy with her head and usually doesnt bring it up till we pass the gate....... SO ive tried nudgeing her, see sawing of all things on her mouth [only did it once cause I hate doing that], Then I tried just holding my hands steady still she brings it up.. Well The nudgeing kind of works but it hasnt solved it yet, along with just hold my hands steady.... its tiring :P

Number 2:
When I ask for the trot now when we just past the gate the first few times she flips her head then tail swishes then goes off with her head high for a second [BIG ATTITUDE ALERT!] After about 2-3 times of that she will usually give me a nice transition.

SO I need some advice on those to minor problems. Im more worried about #1 then #2..


THANKS!!!

Holding your hands steady is good, see sawing is bad......LOL If it were me the first thing I would try is putting some pressure on the inside rein, not much just close my fingers and give a little nudge with the outside leg.

To me, it sounds like it's residual "you can't make me" with the gate issue. If you can just keep relaxed and your cues soft but persistent I'm thinking it will resolve itself.

I would keep a steady/normal contact on her mouth and add more leg to get her to move forward back into a normal head carriage. Everything should come from the hind end. Also, if you don't give them anything to lean on they can't lean. With the tail sishing/head flipping I think it is just attitude too. I would just keep going about your business. Don't make too big of a deal about it. Just concentrate on keeping her frame the same through all transtitions. Upward and downward. If she starts getting sassy, go back to square one and try again. So glad to hear you have solved most of the gate problem in such a short amount of time! Good job & good luck!

Yep, just hold a light contact on the reins. If you hold hard and firm, giving her something to brace against, she WILL brace against you. Get her moving FORWARD....it's harder for a horse to carry himself low like that when they are really, really moving out, othewise they have more tendency to trip. You can also try asking her to bend through her rib cage....picture "lifting" her up and asking her to bring her head up.

Thanks everyone! :)

I second this!

Anytime your horse pulls, don't pull back, don't use the bit, but your legs. Both legs at once to drive her into the bit. keep your hands soft, and use more leg. but not constant, you know?

Also...stop focusing on the gate and on whatever....focus only on what you want, not on what you don't want and your horse will do the same...follow your lead. If YOU keep thinking "okay, what's she going to do now?" or "we're nearing the gate...I gotta be ready for..." You will--without meaning to--get tense and this will trigger her to act like you "expect"