Exercises for the Heavy (in your hands) Horse

[hunter51]

I am working consistently with a trainer and my TB has come very far within the past year. However, I wanted to check here and see if anyone knows of any exercises that can help lighten the horse up front. He can get heavy during canter work, particularly after a jump. He can also become strong.

As mentioned, he has progressed leaps and bounds from when he used to practically require me to carry him. I think much of this is due to his conformation; he’s built a little downhill and has a naturally low headset. What are some exercises you would recommend?

Hope this made sense - almost the end of a long work day!

[Bluey]

Transitions, but I expect that is what your trainer is telling you.

Start like a colt just fresh under saddle, that seems to be a hole in the basics.

Bigger circles and soft stops, turn around and go the other way, first every full circle, then every half, every quarter, then out of the circle and let him relax, even go long and low, then pick up the circle again, two or three times, then go do other, don’t nag and not in the same spots all the time, want the horse listening to you, not anticipating.

At first it may take your horse some steps to completely stop, a small half circle to turn back and go the other way.
It is not about precision, is about getting the horse listening to you more and more responsive, that will help lighten the horse.

After a couple days, you should feel your horse come back to hand much more readily and less heavy.

[netg]

Upward half halts. Give forward. Never pull back. Downward transitions whenever he starts to rush.

He can’t get heavy on your hands if you’re not giving him anything to get heavy against - but he can fall flat on his face. Thus the upward (balancing) half halts. And downward transitions when the balancing half halt doesn’t work, to a halt if necessary.

[2miniB]

I had a horse like this, and a combination of the demi arret and a different bit resolved the problem. She was a pony, and an ex-lesson horse who used to plod around with beginners…so she was used to getting away with a lot.

Just a gentle upward lift with the hand when she got heavy, plus a bit she couldn’t lean on took care of the issue. She was used to a low port Kimberwick and had no respect for a snaffle. A double jointed pelham with 2 reins, so I had the curb if I needed it or could do without it when I didn’t. Eventually, I could ride her just as well in a jumping hackamore (just a leather noseband, no leverage) as in the pelham.

[redalter]

I have found that the stronger they become behind, the more capable they become of carrying themselves a bit more, and not needing to be heavy and leaning on our hands.

Counter bends - I use an “inside out” figure 8 at the trot.

Canter down the long side, three strides of counter bend - not too much in the neck, thinking more like bending his rib cage, then straight - then repeat.

I also do some leg yields - just in trot - straight, few strides of leg yield, then straight.

Gets them thinking about being able to use their whole body. I have found this helps so much particularly with ottbs.

I do make sure to do these not looking so much for perfection in the movement, more looking to help them find a way to push as opposed to pull themselves along.

We also walk lots of hills.

[Lady_Eboshi]

“Bump and drop,” like the Western people do. Don’t EVER give him the idea he can use the bit to balance on. Any time he gets heavy, fix your hands, let him take a hold, and then DROP all contact. For a smart horse, between one and three repetitions of this will fix the problem.[I]

Proviso: Be careful. Make sure your seat is firm, because he may stumble or even fall on his face the first time. Also–make sure you’re not offering him a water-ski tow bar because you are using it likewise as a fulcrum for security[/I]. This is a technique for an advanced rider with an independent seat–and it may take longer with OTTB’s who’ve been taught to run onto contact. Please pursue lessons with a qualified instructor!