Ask The Trainer

How do you teach a young horse to bend at the poll using a mild snaffle bit? I followed the very effective directions on using my deep seat, gathering reins, leg off and big whoa to stop my young horse- 100% difference! - She really gets under herself with little contact on her mouth. I gave her obvious leg to keep moving forward and then legs dramatically off, out and forward when I took off forward pressure. Gradually less "obvious" cues as we progressed. I am still having a real hard time bending that poll though. She opens her mouth and lifts her head when I check and release. Any suggestions?

To get a soft feel or vertical flexion start at a standstill. Pick up the reins, apply a soft pressure, and hold it until she drops her nose. The faster you can release when the nose comes down the faster she will look for a release of the rein pressure by putting her head down. Do this several times until she knows what you want when you pull. You can squeeze lightly with your legs to keep her from backing up. You are actually trying to push her into the bit and you are not trying to pull her head back.

To start with, it is less confusing to gently pull her head in. If she opens her mouth and throws her head up just ignore it and maintain your pressure until you get the desired response. It does not need to be perfect to start. Any downward movement with her head is a try and worthy of release. You can refine it, as she becomes more comfortable tipping her nose down instead of throwing her head up. If she continues to open her mouth, you could try a caveson or a different bit. Opening her mouth and raising her head are forms of evading pressure. If you stop pulling when she does these things you are rewarding her for it and that is what will happen every time you pull on the reins. You may have quite a time with her to start with but you must be more stubborn than she is. If she backs up squeeze with your legs but do not stop pulling. She will realise that you are not asking for a back up and you will not reward her for doing it by letting go of the rein pressure. If she leans on the reins, you will pull back harder than she is pulling. She will try many forms of evasion but dropping her head is the only release. Praise her when she figures it out then ask again.

Work on it for five or 10 minutes then go for a short ride. This will give her time to relax and think about what you were doing, then work on it again. Once she understands, ask for a soft feel when you are riding. Make her maintain the headset longer before the release. If she has a lot of trouble with this just keep at it, she will fight the most just before she gives in.

Will Clinging 2004 (c)

Back to Will's Article Home Page
Back to Articles Home Page