I have a 2 1/2 year old gelding and When I ride him he noses out or star gazes as some people call it! any solutions? He takes the bridle good and seem to like the bit! I use a chain bit on him!
Posted 2008-07-09 3:35 PM (#87157 - in reply to #87156) Subject: RE: Horse nosing out!
Veteran
Posts: 294 Location: Fort Worth, Tx
A 2 1/2 year old is much too young to expect to be perfect...when you say "nosing out" I'm guessing that he is hollow in the back and not flexed at the poll. So basically you are dealing with the issue of strengthening the back and teaching him basic dressage carriage. Also, when you say "chain bit" are you talking about using a curb chain with a shanked bit of some kind, or do you mean that you have an actual chain bit? That seems a bit harsh. If you are a heavier rider (and a 100 pound person can be a heavy rider, if they don't balance/sit well), then I would not expect a young horse to be able to carry you well. Are you working with a trainer at all?
Posted 2008-07-09 3:50 PM (#87159 - in reply to #87156) Subject: RE: Horse nosing out!
Expert
Posts: 1989 Location: South Central OK
You'll be looking for a German martingale, they are easy to find and nearly bulletproof. You just set the snaps at the correct length and the rider cannot over-correct the horse. I have my youth riders use these often and they are safe for young horses unlike other more advanced head-setting rigs.
You may need to have your horse evaluated by a professional to see if the headset problems are caused by conformation or saddle fit. An uncomfortable horse will never carry their head correctly...no training in the world can make them favor pain.
Posted 2008-07-09 5:58 PM (#87166 - in reply to #87156) Subject: RE: Horse nosing out!
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Arkansas
You need to have his mouth examined for wolf teeth at this time, and next spring have him checked for shedding his 3 year old caps. More description on the bit is needed, but his mouth needs to be checked out as a matter of course for a young horse just getting started.
Horse nosing out!
