Horse stretching her neck out?

Question

Ok, so when im riding my tb mare she will randomly stretch her neck out. My trainer says to pull back on one rein so i did that and she stopped, but only for a little while, then when i was riding her in an evaluation (for 4-H) she kept doing it and wouldnt listen to when i pulled back on the rein. Im not sure why she does this, when i bought her (a few months ago) i had her vet checked and she checked for sensitivity along her back and she was good. Could she be doing this when i get nervous?, because her trot was more forward and i had to try to slow her down which could also lead to me not having quiet enough hands. Any suggestions? I have a show on sunday and im nervous that the judge will not pin me just because shes doing that. Thank you sooo much!

Answer 1

Maybe when your just walking you hold the reins too tight.  Give her some head and let her relax.  Or maybe it could be the bit?  I doubt she has anything wrong with her.. maybe shes just uncomfortable.

Answer 2

I think she is just sniffing the air (is she streching her head up?)Maybe its her bridle then or she just needs to move her muscles!

Answer 3

one of ours does this and we had him completly checked! couldnt find anything wrong with him. He does it just to stretch his neck out... and then he comes back into the bridle when he-s done. When he starts doing this we give him the rein and just do some slight head movements (side to side). If you have tried everything, try sitting deeply in the saddle and use your seat to slow down, rather than the reins. Then almost bring her body up to her head....

Answer 4

Sounds like she is uncomfortable about something.  Check to see if the bit is placed properly in her mouth.  Maybe it is too low and bumping some teeth.

Answer 5

You could be hanging on her mouth and she is trying to get you to stop.  I have a mare who will hang on her bit.  Here is what I do.  First remember horses learn on the release ... you must release ..... If they pull and you pull back you have a tug-a-war and they are stronger ..... GENTLY pull and release every time she pulls .... she will get the picture that when she pulls she receives a small corrections and it is better not to pull at all.  

IF that doesn't work you may want to evaluate your bit and hands ...... IF you have gentle hands ... and that is an IF .... you could drop a twisted snaffle in her mouth a couple of times .... let her hit the end of that bit and she will not want to hang on it .... but again you MUST have gentle hands ..... you can NOT hang on her with a twist it will only build up callouses on her bars and make her mouth harder .... It is only to be used in the right hands .... Or even let your trainer ride her in a twist ....  Horses don't like to be uncomfortable ..... and once she stays off the bit go right back to a smooth mouth ..... do not stay in a harsh bit .... always drop back to the mildest bit .......

Good Luck

Answer 6

I would check her again for pain, stiffness or tension.  Also check her mouth, her teeth, her bit, her bridle, and the bridle's fit.  Then, ask yourself what you are doing when she does that.  It doesn't really sound like she's trying to be evasive - my first thought is that she's trying to work some kinks out.  Have a chiropractor out to see her.

EDIT:  Are you sure she's bored, if she's speeding up?  Does her attention seem to just wander off when she does it?  Does she do it right after you've asked her to do something, or does she just do it when you're at a steady gait on the rail?  If it really does seem like boredom and you're not able to find a physical cause for her behavior, I would move my pinkies once or twice, very lightly, to get some "static" on her line (i.e. the reins) to let her know you're there and you intend to stay in communication with her.

Answer 7

sounds to me like shes biting the bit. my pony used to do that its where they grab hold of the bit in their teeth and it makes it really hard to pull them back, they generally stretch their neck out and down so it makes it harder for u to pull them up.

Answer 8

Check to make sure you tack fits properly. Your saddle especially. Also make sure your bridle is not too tight. And what kind of bit do you use. Is your horse mouth sensitive.

When she pulls her head out DO NOT pull back. How would you like it if someone jerked a bit around in your mouth.

Keep steady contact. Meaning tighten your reins until you feel a steady pressure. Try to anticipate when she is about to stretch her neck out. Hold you hands steady and let her PULL AGAINST HERSELF. Try doing this at a walk to begin with than though the other gaits.

Also have her teeth looked at. And if money permits have another vet come in for a second opinion. Do you take lessons or have an instructor or horse savvy friend. Ask them for help.