Method Tip: Horse Head Tossing Problem, Part 3: A Bad Attitude

If your horse is constantly tossing his head when you ride him and you’ve ruled out a health issue, his lack of training and yourself as possible causes, then it’s likely your horse has copped an attitude. When you ask him to do something, he throws his nose up in the air and shakes his head.

If that’s the case, when he tosses his head, immediately bend his head and yield his hindquarters around, making him really hustle. Reprimand him. Do it firmly so that it feels uncomfortable to him and he won’t want to do it again. After the correction, then put the horse on a loose rein and go down the trail.

It’s kind of like you’re saying to the horse, “If you want to complain, I’ll give you something to complain about.” My parents used to say that to me all the time when I’d get whiny and pitch a fit. I guarantee that whatever it was you were asking your horse to do that caused him to toss his head and flip his nose out was easier than him having to hustle his feet in a tight circle.

If you have to make a correction more than a couple times, you’re probably being a nag. Make the horse feel uncomfortable for flipping his nose out – get in and get out. If you’re effective, the next time you give the horse a cue, he’ll respond with a “Yes, sir” attitude.