My horse is bending and turning oddly?

Question

I'm leasing a 12 year old thoroughbred gelding, and I've noticed that when I turn to a straight line to a jump, he sometimes bends his head and neck while approaching the jump. It makes it very difficult to line up properly and clear the fence with ease. What can I do to make him stop this? Could he be doing this for a reason, like he's in pain?

Answer 1

i would have a chiropractor or an equine massage therapist out to look at him... it might be because he's becoming "one sided"

Answer 2

You could try a chiropractor for horses. I do that with my horses to realine them. I hope it goes well!

Answer 3

i think youd be suprised how physical things affect this sort of problem. the saddle could be uncomfortable to jump in or your hands even. chiropractor may help. but most of all i think hes trying to avoid the jump somehow. you could look into confidence exersizes or motivation exersizes.

Answer 4

Have you had his eyes checked?  As others have mentioned, it could be a misalignment in the back or neck.

Answer 5

i dont think its pain..i think hes " rubber-necking " you.  lets say your tracking left to an outside line of jumps you pull left he leaves head left but keeps going straight, id try to keep equal contact in both reins. id also try to do some gymnastics/bounces/in and outs withyou horse to help with balance and linning up. if this problem continues id consulat a vet good luck

Answer 6

if he doesnt already use a martingale i would try using one. also make sure you have even weight in both of your sturrups and make sure your hands stay soft. you should also keep your legs on. when you straighten him out make sure you are not leaning to far forward it is also important to keep him balanced and use direct contact to help straighten him out it might take some time but it will help.