> Judy, who is riding him? Is that Stephanie Caldwell? Looks like her.
I have no idea who the rider is, but I doubt that it's Stephanie. > Anyway, I think he looks as green as grass, and he needs a bit more > room on those reins. I think youngsters need to have a lot more use of their necks and heads; gaits can wait until later. The forced frame can cause so much damage; damage that may not show up now or tomorrow, but next year or further down the line. One thing that bothered me, besides the normal bit evasions, is the "broken neck"; where the horse flexes at C3 / C4, rather than at the poll. This can cause damage to the nuchal ligament, which can, in turn, cause a multitude of problems down the line such as undiagnosed lameness issues, being "off", horse giving the rider clues that he doesn't want to be ridden (i.e. not standing at the mounting block, not wanting to be caught, turning away from the rider, etc.). We should talk about the nuchal ligament a bit more, and encourage those riders and trainers who are practicing this broken neck riding (seen at the WC), to find out more about it, and change to something else. Virginia said: >>Why did the horse keep flipping his head up? He's going behind the bit and above the bit (bit evasions), trying to find some place to be comfortable, yet not succeeding. Kim said: >>I think she is holding him in too hard, not giving him his head. I agree. Nancy said: >>He looks like a youngster with a nice temperment. I like him, too! Such a nice young guy. Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
