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Posts: 9
From:Warragul, Victoria, Australia
Registered: Mar 2004

posted 03-17-2004 11:50 PM         

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I have a 7yo Standardbred mare. She was once trained for racing but was too slow. She throws her head around a lot(she also wont go on the bit) and when I trot her she leans heavily on the bit with her head sticking right out. Please help make my rides more enjoyable!!!!!

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Member

Posts: 944
From:Columbus, Tx ,USA
Registered: Dec 2003

posted 03-19-2004 06:48 AM         

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Have her wolf teeth been removed?

Race horses are not fully broken to ride, hince why they are often ill tempered and horrible manners on ground and undersaddle.

Check her teeth, and then you need to re train her as if she's a green mare.
She doesn't know what your asking of her more than likely, and unless you have training experiance, I would definately advise you to consult with a trainer.

Take your time with her. Some horses do better with a Hacamore or bossal than with a bit. This may be your case. A tie down will also help witht he head throwing.

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New Member

Posts: 9
From:Warragul, Victoria, Australia
Registered: Mar 2004

posted 03-20-2004 02:03 AM         

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I am getting a dentist out to her soon. I'll mention it to him. thanks

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Posts: 47
From:Oakton, VA USA
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 03-20-2004 04:39 AM         

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I have a Thoroughbred that was like that. I had the dentist out to look at his teeth and they were fine, so I started him doing more bending and figures so that he was forced to listen to me, rather than run around like a crazyboi, with his head all up and thrown around. He would start to round and listen real well until we hit a straight away again, and he'd resume his old behaviours. I got a Harbridge Training Aide, which only allows his head to go out/up so far, and forces him to round and use himself from behind. They're a lot like side reins, only the training aid allows the horse to stretch downward as well. My horse isn't perfect yet, but his headtossing is almost non-existant now and his head carriage has improved tenfold. If your mares teeth aren't the problem, or if she still acts up after, try a training aid like the Harbridge. I'm convinced, if it could help my horse, it can help any horse lol

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New Member

Posts: 9
From:Warragul, Victoria, Australia
Registered: Mar 2004

posted 03-20-2004 08:31 PM         

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thanx
can u still jump a horse w/ 1?

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Posts: 47
From:Oakton, VA USA
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 03-21-2004 06:01 AM         

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No, because it restricts their movement too much for using themselves properly over fences, and can restrict their ability to balance themselves. For over fences, try a standing martingale. They'll be able to move and balance over fences, without being too restricted.

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New Member

Posts: 9
From:Warragul, Victoria, Australia
Registered: Mar 2004

posted 03-21-2004 06:06 PM         

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thanx
im gunna look in2 it.

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