From: tracy@scoraz.resp-sci.arizona.edu (Tracy Scheinkman)
Newsgroups: rec.equestrian
Subject: re: need help with stiff horse
Date: 11 Sep 92 07:42:40 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ

In Article 8662 in rec.equestrian: amerritt@dante.nmsu.edu 
	(Angela Merritt) writes:

 >I have a 6 yr old TB that I am training for Dressage (we're shooting for
 >training level next year).  When I got him he would always travel with
 >a hollow back and his nose in the air, and not much flexibility.  Well

 >and his stride will be more flowing (much easier to sit too!).  The other
 >half of the time he is very resistant to the bit, mostly to the left (to
 >the right he's really pretty good).  He is always mouthing the bit, 
 >gapping his mouth and tipping his head
 >to evade the bit.  My trainer feels like this is beginning to be a

 >when he is pretty good.  She is suggesting now that we try a different
 >bit.  He is currently using a full cheek snaffle (we are using the
 >full cheek with the bit loops but he had the same problem before I
 >added the bit loops).  We are thinking of trying a rubber full cheek
 >snaffle and see how he does.  I'm hoping someone may have delt with
 >a problem like this and has some advice to give (or encouragement?).
 >Am I asking for too much too soon?  Am I letting him get away with
 >too much?  Does the rubber bit sound like a good option? I can
 >provide some more details about what we've tried so far if anyone is
 >interested. BTW my trainer has looked at his teeth and can't see any
 >obvious problems but were going to have the equine 'dentist' look at
 >him when he comes next month. 
 >Any advice; opinions; or personal ancedotes welcome :-)

 >Angie. (amerritt@dante.nmsu.edu)

	Your horse is young and may not yet have developed the strength
in his back, what old horsemen call a "hard back", to carry you yet.  Also
at this stage you may get more benefit out of asking him to go long and
low, to stretch his topline and back muscles, than to ask him to go on
the bit.  Dr. Rolf Vlatten ("I" judge) who writes a column for our local
dressage newsletter feels that many Training level people ask the horse
to go on the bit before the horse is ready to do so.  
	Now some suggestions:  Yes have the equine dentist look at the
horse's mouth, it sounds like he is really uncomfortable on one side.
The dentist may turn up some interesting things.  Second, do not ignore
what the horse is telling you about his back, it may very well be sore.
Have someone, like a vet, check the saddle fit for you (keep in mind that
even many experts have trouble with this so it is possible for your
trainer or vet to say the saddle fits yet the horse tells you otherwise).
The stiffness to one side is nothing to worry about, most young horses are
stiffer on one side than the other and will resist more to that side,
gradually equal training on both sides will get them over that.  Third,
bits, yes try a different bit, a rubber bit is nice however most horses
don't like the taste.  For a horse showing the signs he is, I would guess
that the dentistry will make a big difference, but that in any case a 
change to a milder bit, say a french mouth snaffle, or a Dr. Bristol
(both double-jointed bits) would help.  Finally to make the horse's back
strong there is nothing like miles and miles of trail riding, especially
up and down hills and on different types of footing.  Gallop some sections
that look good.  Dr. Gahwyler, "I" judge, says that he doesn't understand
why people don't go out and gallop their horses, it's good for them and
it's good for the horse.  When you gallop or ride a very fast trot over
trails, at least til your horse's back gets stronger, do it in two-point
position so you don't land hard on his back.  It's a myth that a lot
of pounding will make a horse's back harder, what they need is strengthening
the muscles that carry the rider.  And anytime you can get the horse to
trot with his head long and low, whether on a loose rein or with some
contact you will be helping him stretch and strengthen his topline and
contribute to a happier horse.  Later you can ask for more contact with
the bit (after you've switched bits and the dentist has looked at him and
he's learned to stretch).  If you don't know how to get him to stretch
see if there are any T.T.E.A.M. practitioners in your area and get one
of them to come out and work with you.  
	Please e-mail me any additional details you feel would be necessary
for a complete understanding (i.e. if I've missed the point).  Or if you
have any questions you think I might be able to help with.

				Tracy and Bruce (beautiful man) and
				Cachet (7 year old Arabian mare, mother
				of Mithril) and Mithril (2 year old
				Arabian filly) and The Cats

e-mail: tracy@sneeze.resp-sci.arizona.edu
Newsgroups: rec.equestrian