I can't keep my horse collected for pleasure classes!!?

Question

So i have a magnificent horse who does everything! she is the best at gaming, and does extremely well in performance.

the only problem is her COLLECTION! i CANNOT keep her collected for ANYTHING. i will be doing huntseat classes and i will be doing western classes. My horse won't collect her head AT ALL in a snaffle (maybe you could recommend a different bit?) and in a western curb bit, she WILL collect.. but only when i use two hands. you are only aloud to use 1 hand in western pleasure.

so HELP! how do i collect my horses head and KEEP IT THERE?

thanks!

Answer 1

If the proper muscles on a horse are not developed and maintained, a horse cannot keep up the collection for a whole class (especially if he is competing in several classes)  Secondly, the bit is irrevelant, hands, seat and legs are what is important to teach and maintain collection...you use verbal commands as well, along with your legs to encourage your horse to use the power that he has from his hind end...the mouth of the horse and the hands of the rider are only for steering and capturing that power...don't try to bring the mouth/head back to the horse, maintain that part of the horse and bring up the rear...when you do, you teach your horse to better use his body and he won't be pulling himself along the rail with his front end, which not only tires them out faster but they will not stay sound as long.  Another very good way to teach "natural collection" is to get your horse out of the arena and get on some pretty rough trails, the horse will work the proper muscles that he needs for collection when he is going up and down hills, through the ditches, etc.

Answer 2

You are only allowed to use one hand in western pleasure, unless you are showing in a bosal or in snaffle-bit western pleasure.  I agree with Hannah G, but would add that once you get your horse pushed up into the bit, release pressure on the bit.  If she starts getting strung out, repeat the process.

It's hard to have an "everything" horse that can go from games to western pleasure and back again.  It's a whole different mind set.  But sounds as though you have a very nice horse.

Answer 3

ok it will take a lot of leg power, but you can try if your up to it.  so what you need to do is try to get your horse into normal collection but if she doesnt go into it keep trying to collect her but push with your calves as hard as you can and make it like your using your legs to push her up into the bridle also move your hands in a bicycle motion backwards  but dont make it so everyone can see wat your doing do it very softly.  lastly i would recomend a stronger bit. i dont know what kind tho just whatever works best for you. good luck and happy trails!

Answer 4

I think you are confusing a headset with collection. Collection comes from the rear and is about driving the hindquarters underneath the horse using your legs. A curb bit is for advanced finishing and shouldn't be used until you get collection using the snaffle. Huntseat is not the best training for you if you want to develop collection...dressage is a better choice and go from there...deep seat, long legs and lots of practice using legs and driving your horse to the bit. Then, you have to adapt it to neck reining on a loose rein.  Good luck...

Answer 5

Make sure you are not just asking with your hands. Collection requires "pushing" the horse forward into the bridle. Keep your leg on when you are asking her to collect. Just getting her head collected is only half the battle. You need to keep her back end engaged and moving forward into your hand. It takes a lot of leg, and until her hind end muscles are fully developed, it will be hard for her to stay in a frame.

Answer 6

You need to be doing A LOT more flexing both side to side and up and down. Make sure when you're teaching them that when they give their head IMMEDIATELY release! You will get a heavy-headed horse by not rewarding them with a release. Hope that helps!

P.S. Use a snaffle!! A bit change will not correct this problem!