Help with a stargazer?

Question

my o/h is currently learning to ride, next week he is riding an show-jumper (lucky him!! she's gorgeous) but she she is a 'stargazer' , he only has one arm, and uses ladder reins, ...she is ridden with a running martingale (as she is a school horse, obviously changing tack is not really an option) has anyone got any suggestions as to how to get her to bring her head down softly (just been reading the egg thing!!lol!! and no, that's not an option either!!!)

thanks x

Answer 1

ask if they will or can put her in a standing martingale or a shadow roll to get her head down for him.  The shadow roll might just be enough to drop it for him.  And its not a serious tack change.  Just a thick sheepskin rolled over her noseband so she has to drop her head some to see where she is going.

Answer 2

The best technique I've ever seen to get a horse's head down and softly on the bit is on Clinton Anderson's Riding With Confidence DVD. First you work with the horse in the round pen, bringing the horse's head back and up toward the withers and *instantly* releasing when the horse gives into the pressure. You do this for a while, then do it under saddle on each side (someone else will have to do this, won't work with ladder reins). The horse learns lateral flexion and to give to pressure. Next step is to take that lateral flexion and make it vertical. Within a week, my horse, instead of blowing me off with his head up, would drop his head beautifully at the slightest pressure from the reins.

It's impossible to describe well in this post, but if you watch the DVD, it's brilliant.

Answer 3

I'm no rider but I know a bit, a sheep skin nose band will get the horse to bring his head down, but most of all take guidance of those teaching. They will know the horse and all his little quirks and so he should put himself squarely in their hands until he becomes acquainted with him.

Answer 4

How awful having just one arm but brilliant how he is adapting. It must be a big horse to need those ladders??? I suppose you could always try sugar lumps, I'm sure the horse will do anything for them...;-)

Answer 5

Just remember, it's not all about the mouth!  A relaxed seat and hands, and good leg use will help relax her and the head should naturally come down.  He can use his seat and legs to move the horse into the bit.  Keep in mind school horses may have been spoiled by rough handling especially on the mouth (watch how many people yank on the reins as if they're riding a carousel horse and not a living, breathing animal!) and this one has obviously learned to avoid the bit, maybe because it's been painful.  Schools will often cheat on good training by using devices like the running martingale, though there when used correctly they fill a need.  Have reasonable expectations of what this horse can give, but relaxed and gentle urging may help her give more.  Also, remember he's taking lessons to learn how to ride, he isn't expected to know it all in advance!  Good luck.