Head tossing Question

Q:

I have a seven-year-old mare who has recently began to shake and bob/throw her head around while riding. I use a Tom Thumb snaffle. Should I try tying her head down using a "tie-down" or running martingale, or will she just try to fight them. I have been told by "old timers" to tie a fob on her brow band so it thumps her every time she starts to toss her head. Maybe I should try a firmer bit, but I want to keep her mouth as soft as I can. Thank you.

~ Judy Elven

A:

Dear Judy,

Thanks for your question regarding the seven-year-old mare who is shaking and bobbing her head. In my experience, usually the horse is trying to tell us something when this behavior happens, and it is usually NOT related to poor attitude in the horse! Most of the time I find it useful to ask the horse what is going on. Are they in pain some place in their body? A pulled muscle or stiff joint or poor balance in the hoof or poll/neck/back out of alignment can easily cause a bobbing of the head. Is your equipment fitting properly? Many times a reaction in the head is due to a bit that is hitting the teeth, or a sharp tooth, or a saddle that is pinching. A Tom Thumb bit can be pretty sever if it is pushing on the sensitive bars, a wolf-tooth, or the first set of molars. You may want to consider a dentist session, not just floating the teeth, but getting the mouth in working order for the health and comfort of the horse. In addition, there can be some hormonal chemistry happening with mares, particularly at this time of year. If this is coupled with let's say the atlas being out of alignment, you can see why your mare might be bobbing her head! I have seen amazing changes with chiropractic and message treatments. Homeopathic and acupuncture/pressure are other considerations. Horses don't lie about these things...They either work or they don't! No judgment involved.

In short, I would not look to any of the negative tools you considered such as a tie-down, running martingale, or fob on the brow band. In my opinion, these are all excuses for poor hands and lack of understanding regarding the relationship with the horse.

Hope this helped.

~ Respectfully, Alice Trindle, T&T Horsemanship

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