I have tried everything I can to get my mare to tuck her chin but she will not!
I have had her for about a year and a half now and haven’t gotten any progress made on her tucking her chin. She needs to work on giving to the bit and breaking at the poll but I’m not sure what that means??
Can anyone help me? Thanks in advance.
It might be a good idea to take her and get lessons with a trainer. What you need to do to get a balanced horse that carries itself and is soft through the face and body is too lengthy to put in a post.
If you don’t know what that means, we cannot help you over the internet. I don’t say that to be mean or harsh, so please don’t take offense.
Can you find a good trainer to take lessons with?
While a horse needs to be soft to the bit and break at the poll, it is also very important that the horse’s body is traveling correctly. There are folks out there that can get “false collection” by only setting the horse’s head in a certain place, but allowing the horse’s body to travel hollowed out and strung out.
If you haven’t made any progress in almost 2 years, it’s time to seek help for yourself and there is no shame in that. One never stops learning. I like to go ride with a reining trainer in my area at least a few times a year – keeps me and my horses on our toes.
Please get thee to a trainer ASAP.
Adding the other thread https://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/forum/off-topic/off-topic-aa/10014318-leads
does sound and feel and small very ‘under the bridge’
Another thing to consider is that some horses that are thick in the throatlatch area can not tuck the chin as that makes breathing difficult for them.
I agree with all the others that you would benefit from the feedback of a professional trainer.
(Adding for clarity) Sometimes a pair of eyes watching from the ground can be a big help. A trainer can help you determine if the mare is not understanding, misbehaving, or just plain unable to do what you are asking. The trainer can also help you with bit selection which is a big part of making a horse comfortable enough to lower the head.
Another thing to consider is all horses need their teeth checked periodically by a vet to make sure they don’t have any sharp, broken, or infected teeth. Mouth pain will also make a horse want to resist relaxing the poll.
Just wanted to add another voice recommending that you get a quality trainer involved when you can. In the meantime, let the horse travel as she is comfortable so long as it’s safe.
Best to you and your mare.
What wasn’t linking the other thread, or expressing my opinion, which I stand by?
If you don’t agree carry on, and my little solitary voice just gets buried in the list of replies.
Let’s please give new users the benefit of the doubt, and if you’re not sure if a query is genuine, skim right on by.
Thanks!
Mod 1
Maybe if you could give us more background on yourself and your horse we’d be better able to help.
You’re noticing problems with headset, but to fix those you need to correct other issues.
What is she doing with her head now?
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