Encouraging my young horse to lower his head(arch back)?

Question

I don't want him to 'hollow his back' or use a maritngale.

He is a 4 year old gelding but has been in light work for about a year, I have had him 4 months. He is a little nervous and VERY responsive to my leg aids.

How can I simply encourage him to lower his head and work through with his hindquarters? He needs more circle work so I am working on that and also transitions, but he has a tendancy to rush into canter as he is young and still unbalanced

Thank you to all answerers

Answer 1

just pat your horses head and lower the head down

Answer 2

You teach him to lower his head by using one rein with your hand held down by your thigh while you leg him forward.  If he brings his nose up, you use the opposite rein to bring it down again, with your hand low, of course. In order to do this, you keep hands down in front of your thighs, and as far forward on the reins as you need to keep gentle contact.  Just doing this over and over will get him to carry his head where you want it to be.

Answer 3

First - put one hand on his poll and one hand on his nose and see if you can get him to flex that way.  Also, flex him in each direction before you ask him to ride off - stretching will help!

Next - There really is nothing wrong with using a martingale assuming you're a good rider and know how to use your seat, read a horse, and know when you have to give with your hands and apply leg.  However, I have a couple of ideas for you.

You're going to have to slowly teach him.  It will take a longer time without using artificial aids (i.e. martingale).  Basically, you're going to have to ride with your seat and then pull and give when he gives.

I would suggest that you purchase the "mouthing system" from a guy named "HorseProblemsAustralia."  I purchased his video (you actually get 2 videos) and it was WONDERFUL.  Even though your horse is well started, it's great to take a horse back and remouth them.  I have been working on this with a 14 year old arab that I have been working for a lady.

If you're interested in that - he has a youtube site to check out some of his videos (if you're not from australia you have to listen really closely to understand him though!) http://www.youtube.com/user/horseproblem... or you can visit his actual website to purchase videos:  http://www.horseproblems.com.au/DVD%20Sa...

The mouthing video is WONDERFUL - it really works and is worth every penny.  Mr HorseProblem's Wife (Mrs. HP) is a VERY well known dressage rider and trainer in australia.

I don't ride dressage - ride hunt and western and these practices are even working well for me!  Best wishes!