Hi!
I just had a quick question about my horse Pi. She tends to root over fences sometimes (not all the time), and I am trying to find a solution to this. We put her through grids and that seems to help. Until recently, we thought we had broken her of the habit, but she has recently started it up again. It makes riding her difficult as it pulls me out of my tack. I have had to grab mane when she starts to go long so I don’t end up hitting her in the face. Any tips or suggestions on how to work on this would be greatly appreciated! Oh, I guess I should mention that she is a green 7 year old TB mare that recently got started again with consistent riding and training. I bought her in Jul and have been brining her along with the help of a trainer since then. Maninly I am looking for things I can do while on her that will limit the liklihood of this happening. Or things I can do on the flat. She tends to root on the flat too. I have recently started riding her with a looser reign to help, but it’s still a struggle. Thanks!
Amber
First, riding her on a loose rein will not completely fix your problem. Like my horse Handsome can go around on a loose rein all day, but he will still pull when I take up contact, given the chance. Is there any possibility of a physical problem? Is it possible she is not fit enough for the work she is doing?
If you said “no,” I would suggest maybe a different bit, one with a lot of breaks (not brakes) like a Waterford or a Dr. Bristol, or French link. When she starts to get heavy, sit deep in the saddle and make sure your elbows are bent so she can’t pull you around, and then give her a half-halt. You can half halt her as many times as necessary to lighten her up. With your heels down, your elbows bent, and your seat in the saddle, she shouldn’t be able to pull you around too much. If she still doesn’t lighten up, then come back to a halt and back up. Jump immediately back into your trot or canter after your reins back. Making sure to work on keeping her in the bridle and bent will help too. As a last resort if she won’t get off your hands, drop your contact for a few strides then pick it back up. She can have your support if she won’t pull, but if she pulls she’s on her own.
Handsomesmom is right. Riding on a loose rein simply teaches your horse that you do not want to be in charge and you have no communication.
Try a full cheek snaffle with keepers, which gives you a slight “elevating” effect. Keep the contact 100% of the time. This is a light and elastic contact, but contact never the less. Your elbow is the shock absorber, so be willing to relax the elbow and follow the mouth, no matter where it goes!