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How to stop a horse from towing!!!; Horses that get strong on the forhand
Topic Started: Sep 25 2007, 12:46 PM (301 Views)
Danielle Fournier
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We're on a bridge, Chaaaaaaaaarlie!
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Hey Everyone,

I have this beautiful 7 year old TB mare who does awesome in the 3' hunters. Last year I started teaching her lead changes, and as a result she got very external (bucking and explosive), and on the forehand heavy when riding. At every show last year she would plough around the corner with her mouth open and towing!!! She just had a beautiful WB colt in June and I am starting her back now. This is a great opportunity for a fresh start and I have her in a nice fat D-Ring snaffle.

Does anyone have any secret excercises for horses that tend to get on the forehand and tow? Also, anyone who has any tried and true advice for lead changes, that doesn't make the learning process stressful, would be very helpful as well!!! I have all winter to get her ready for the 3's next year!

Thanks!
Danielle
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snaffle
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Is the meadow on fire?
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Heavy on the forehand can mean different things to different people. In my case, it meant my horse was pulling so hard I thought my arms would come off of my body. If that's not the case, then ignore what I'm about to say...and listen to someone wiser. :)

I'd look at a couple of things. First, are you using your upper body effectively with her? Second, would you consider a different bit?

What are you doing when she ploughs through the corners? I had a TB who used to pull like a freight train. I would end up standing in my irons as he pulled me out of the saddle.

It took me quite a while to (a) develop the upper body strength not to let him pull me out of the saddle and (b) figure out *how* to use my upper body. My trainer taught me 'shoulders first, then arms'. It helped me to sit back with my trunk rather than just getting into a pulling match.

Lots of leg and lots of circles can help lighten a horse, too.

To allow me some time to develop my strength and figure out how to use my body correctly, we used to switch his bit about once a month. We used a pelham, a twisted wire, a gag bit, and a pelham Mikmar. It eliminated the 'fight' and let me focus on improving my strength and position. (I do have to say, though, that I have very soft hands, so it's not like I was ripping his face off.) I should also note he only got strong like this when we jumped and I always hacked in a smooth snaffle. Once I learned to ride better with my upper body, I used the strong bits less and less.

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Brydelle Farm
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Off visiting Candy Cave, be right back.
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Horses don't pull, Riders do! For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction!

To keep your horse from laying on your hand is to stop pulling on her mouth, and use your leg to get her moving forward from her haunches and carrying herself. Horses that rush and are stiff (usually starts in the jaw ie open mouth) are unbalanced, these horses need leg NOT more hand. But this starts back at the beginning...transitions, teaching responsiveness to your aids, accepting contact with the bit, lateral exercises...

As far as lead changes, the two best things for these are perfecting your simple changes and working counter canter.

Good luck with your mare and new baby. :)
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