After my re-laps before the break, now in summer-start-up a similar thing occurs with Pinochio. One cause may be my insistence on proper posture. Another initial changes for the worse typical of an electro-magnetic treatment, which we have begun with close to all horses. Most likely, however, reasons are physiological. He was doing what he was told (head down, go forward) and now, out of the blue and without any good reason he is told, to do the exact opposite (nose up and collect). Meanwhile he acts like an arsehole. I have begun to treat him like a young horse just started.
In the saddle we concentrate on two things, a relaxed jaw and uprightness. He has the habit to react to my ring finger with a shortening of the neck, a sharp bending the poll and violently gesturing with the jaw. Often his head tilts as we;;. There is of course a much simpler way for a horse of reacting to the rider's call on the jaw's liberty: simply give. Respecting the given situation I instead asked to him extend forward in the poll (open the yes joint) and preserve composure. In other words don't collapse the forehand.
I have renewed my commitment to never (!) use force on a horse.
Two weeks later patience is beginning to pay off. A few days ago, while mounting he lifted the head, nose pointing to the sky. I couldn't believe his clear communication, "Listen, I understood you from the start, - now I can do it." Since then things have become easier. I can put the bridle on almost without objections. He backs up head high and we can begin to address the "Schaukel", alternating with reins long. We do a lot of turning, side stepping, halting and standing. Things begin to be smoother and more civilized.
