Jumping with a Tie Down?

Question

My horse is a little head tossy? So when i trail ride him I put him in a simple tie down, that goes under the breast plate and attaches to the girth. And it makes a world of difference. I'm just starting to put him through some jumping fazes and was wondering if its alright to jump with a tie down on?

Answer 1

no. DO NOT! jump with ANYTHING that restricts the head.

A tie down is static, you can't control it in the saddle so if your jumping he can't stretch his head down to balance and this WILL lead to a fall eventually.  i know it would look weird western, but you could use an english running martingale which would stop the head tossing, but is dynamic and you can release and control the pressure of it from the saddle.

Answer 2

Hmm I wouldn't it could restrict his head movement

Answer 3

NOONONONONO!!!! Never jump with a tie down.

If anything, Jump with a standing martingayle.

thats what i do.

Make sure your horse can streach theyr neck.

Answer 4

Dont use a tie down. Just don't.

The easy way is to use a well adjusted running martingale.

http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp...

It will allow you to keep contol of him when he throws his head. Make sure it is properly adjusted though:

http://www.geocities.com/Petsburgh/Park/...

It should not pull on the reins when the horse is holding his head normally.

Training is better though. Try training the head tossing out of him. Also get his tack and body checked  to make sure he is notin pain.

Answer 5

No you'd have to put it on very lose tie.

Answer 6

whoa. do not use a tie down for jumping!  When a horse falls over a jump, they use there head/neck to lift themselves up, balancing. If you restrict his head movement he could get seriously injured. My horse is the same way with her head when we jump, but it is really not about looks unless it is  efffecting your performance. If so, try using a running martingale. Hope this helps!!!!!!!!!! : )