Few things are as frustrating as trying to reason with a horse whose head is up in the air. It's like trying to get a word in edgewise on "Crossfire." Nobody's listening.
The problem goes beyond aggravating to unsafe when he's acting goofy - and not letting you call the shots, either. There's no steering, slowing or stopping.
When a horse's head is "high," it's as if his brain is experiencing a certain type of static. If the horse could talk, it seems the only word he'd say is "no." But when he drops his head into what we'd consider a normal position, he calms down. In fact, we call the "head down" cue the "calm down" cue for that reason.
Head Carriage Help
- Horses usually have to be taught good head position.
- Consider whether a horse's head is too high because he's compensating for pain.
- Rule out lameness or back pain.
- Check for bit and saddle fit.
- Teach the head down cue either from the ground or the saddle.
- Leave the horse alone when he's doing what you want.
Horses have head-position problems for many reasons, but solving the training element usually comes back to one simple exercise. Let's look at the range of problems, and then we can discuss the fixes.
Problems
Pain: If a bit hurts a horse's mouth, the horse is going to try to evade any bit action. Bit comfort may be a matter of the size or shape of the bit, or it may have to do with the condition of a horse's mouth. If a horse is having tooth problems, for instance, no bit is going to be comfortable for him.
We'll walk you through the training steps, but if your horse doesn't respond to the training, check your bit to be sure it's smooth and not hurting him. Also, have your vet check his mouth and teeth.
Observe how the horse does with the bit when he's just standing there not being ridden. Is he quiet, or do you see signs of discomfort? If it's the latter, then training isn't going to solve the problem.
Then there's lameness. Quite often a horse who's uncomfortable will raise his head, just as you'd stiffen your neck if you were walking with a twisted knee or other pain. Occasionally, a horse with a lower-than-normal head position is dealing with foot pain. He may not appear lame because the pain is often in both front feet.
One way to observe how the horse carries himself and the bit is to turn the horse out, wearing the bridle, in a small corral. Watch carefully as you move the horse around, including making turns. Loose turnout in a small ring is preferable to lungeing because the horse is likely to raise his head or change his balance in response to the line.
Back pain can also affect how a horse carries his head. Sore feet or hocks often show up as if the horse has a backache. The horse can also have a sore back because of a pulled muscle or an ill-fitting saddle. Sometimes a saddle appears to fit correctly when it's just sitting on the horse's back. But when it's cinched up, the rider's weight is added to it and the horse moves, the fit may be different.
You might borrow a different saddle (don't just pad up the one you have) and see if that solves the horse's problem. If not, talk with your vet about other possible causes of pain.
