horse throws head under tack only

tocwolf · New member Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 2

i have a question i am looking at a horse who has a problem of throwing or should i say nodding its head while tacked up only. She does not do it in the stall or outside and she is fine in the showmanship classes. she also does not nod her head when you put a piece of nylon knee high around the top of her snout not over her nostrils. she does not seem to nod her head in the cold weather either. does anyone have an idea?

Shineillusion · Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 2:09 pm Post subject:

What breed is she? If she's a Tennessee Walker, she's supposed to nod her head. I don't know for sure about other gaited breeds, but I know for sure that Walkers not only nod their heads, but flip their ears and swish their tails, especially when they're doing a running walk.

You should also check to be sure the bit is properly placed in her mouth. If it's hanging too low or pulled too high it'll bang on her teeth. That hurts, and she'll flip her nose trying to relieve the pain.

Other than that, she might need to have her teeth worked on.

tocwolf · New member Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 2

she is a quarter horse the vet looked over her and he thinks it might be mental but our trainer thinks different

Sara · Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 11:51 pm Post subject:

How many bridles have you tried on her? How many different bits have you tried with her, it sounds to me like an issue with a peice of tack she does not like bridle or bit or both. Have you tried her in A hackamore... What bit is she currently in that she nods with?

If you'd like I can point you to another message board where there are QUITE a few experts, trainers and breeders...who will be happy to have a question like this to ponder on. Here's the link:

http://p203.ezboard.com/bequestrianalley

Chezza · Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 2:21 am Post subject:

Chezza · Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 2:27 am Post subject:

Quarter horses are normally very placid too..When I had my Appy quarter horse before I got him the previous owners used to hit him around the head Mad

While tacking him up, especially the kids, he was a big boy too, so the more he lifted his head the more they would belt him..

I actually reported them, and they got done because he was abused, and I actually got forst preference in having him..
I was stoked...

I worked with him and on his shyness and in the end with much love and care,and time, when I approached him he actually lowered his head for me to put his bridal on, its was such a fantastic acheviement of his trust of me.. I had him many many years until retiring him out to pasture..
He is gone know of old age..But he spent many years with a great life with me..

luv2show · New member Joined: 02 Dec 2007 Posts: 2

When the horse is throwing her head only with a bit in his mouth, her teeth need to be done.

Goodluck .

Sara · Posted: Sun Dec 02, 2007 3:55 am Post subject:

Might see if she needs a chiropractic adjustment if her teeth are fine.

Morrison · New member Joined: 27 Jan 2008 Posts: 3

First thing i would check would be if she still had her wolf teeth , If it's nothing to do with the teeth then it's a training issue