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Head-shaking is usually the the horse's way of
telling you that he is uncomfortable in the mouth, because the reins are
too short. He is politely asking you to cut him some slack and
give him his head.
He is telling you he doesn't need this level of
control. He knows what he's doing and wants to be left to get on
with it.
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For casual riding, hacking and
schooling for exercise purposes, most horses go best on a loose rein,
with no provocation. This keeps them comfortable in the mouth and
more responsive.
(See also The
simple aids & loose-rein riding)
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Sometimes, horses throw their heads
around when they are annoyed at what they are being asked to do.
It can be anything, from a schooling exercise they
dislike, to being put behind a companion horse or going in a
direction which doesn't please them. |
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If their annoyance can be accommodated,
such as being at the back, when they would rather be in front, then you
should give them what they want.
Otherwise, the best option is to leave them get on
with it. Ignore it and carry on.
If the problem is persistent, it probably is from
the discomfort of too short a rein ... |
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