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    RE: [RC] head tossing - Linda Cowles


    > I have a mare that tosses her head once in a while it isn't that big of a deal but when she does she flips the reins over her head and at a trot or lope it could be dangerous.  I think she does it to play or something
     
    My Arab gelding Gabby (aka Gavilan) does this too; it's a play habit. He does it when he's bored or is with favorite buds that he wants to show off around.
     
    Gab loves to toss the right rein up and catch it between his ears, then look around to show us riders how clever he is. He's a clown in a horse suit, and while he can be hot he's easy to control, so I don't worry about it being dangerous. Sometimes I ignore the rein-between-my-ears look he gives me over his shoulder, and **then** he pretends he's going to run away with me -- his feet go faster but he doesn't move any faster --  "I've got the rein -- 'm gonna bolt - better stop me now! I mean it -- I'm gonna bolt!"...  I wish I was putting words in his mouth, but the goofball loves playing.
     
    Martingales are a hassle... He likes to test the rein length before he tosses, swings it just a little, and it's a subtle but absolute give away that he's thinking of launching it over his head..I also watch for the ear wiggle ("is she paying attention?") and set-up posture (right shoulder forward cause he looks back over his left shoulder once he's snatched the rein), and when I feel him get ready to toss, I snake the right rein, the one he throws - back and forth fast - and tell him to not think about it.
     
    I'm as bad as he is... he's being a goof and sometimes I play stupid and let him do it over and over so that I can laugh at him. Can't help it, he cracks me up! I can ride him either single or double rein (I ride him in a lead rope and halter fairly often) so I don't let it bother me too much.
     
    I also avoid it by doing lead changes, gait changes and other indirect ways to distract him - a circle on the haunches is good because it's a drag for him but always good to practice, even if I'm at a trot or lope. If I circle him each time he sets up to toss a rein, he becomes a good boy fast.  If I get into a fight about it or let him push my button, he's more persistent..
     
    Good luck
     
    Linda Cowles
    Horse 'N Hound 
    New, Consigned & Used Tack
    9155 North State St. #13, 
    Redwood Valley, CA 95470
    EASY  access with Hwy 101 frontage!
    Shop: 707-485-0347              
    Fax:  707-485-0453

    Replies
    [RC] head tossing, Angela and Ron Lewis