Why does your horse put head down when running?

Answer 1

most pony's do this to evade the contact on the reins, this can be caused by an uncomfortable contact on the horses mouth (pulling to hard or jerking on the horses mouth), or when they don't like the bit they are in (strong bits can cause discomfort and may lead to bucking/rearing/pulling) sometimes it isn't the strength of the bit but the style (a horse may hate a gag but be happy in a pelham) it is also sometimes just out of habit or when they are trying to get grass!

Answer 2

What i do is make the horse "bend". If you pull one rein after another when riding, the horse has to lower its head.

If it's while their being ridden, use half halts. Pick up the inside rein (light contact with the bit) and then give little squeezes with the outside rein. Every time your horse slightly lowers his head or gives any, release the pressure as his reward while they are learning. Make sure you don't use jerky or harsh movements as this will hurt the horses mouth and make them resist the bit.

i always put my leg on when the horse lowers its head so it walks into the contact and doesnt go all flat and horrible

Answer 3

There are a couple reasons why a horse will put its head down while you are riding. If they normally do it, and they are not trying to eat the most likely reason is because a horse is built to have its head down while eating, and because of that specific structure of the neck and shoulders, it is also natural that when it is pulling something, or being ridden, it will put its neck down and out for better balance and 'room' for itself. Another reason, if what the above isn't what you were looking for, then her could just be being back and he is wanting to eat, it will then out its head down to grab a mouthful of grass. When this happens your can correct him by pulling up on your reins putting his head back into normal position, or tap him lightly on the neck with a whip if he isn't listening. Then may have an itchy spot and he is trying to scratch it, or you may have been repeatedly doing something that has annoyed him and he has been giving you a signal that he doesn't like it. If you continue to do what ever that may be, be prepared for a buck or a bulge to one side in an attempt to get you off.

If it seems more of a training problem you should have a more experienced rider or trainer work with both you and the horse to correct it. And don't forget to work on the ground with your horse to establish yourself as herd leader, if the horse doesn't respect you on the ground, it won't respect you in the saddle.

Answer 4

=maybe the way it was trained=

Answer 5

they are being obediant to you

Answer 6

Because he/she is hungry