What Causes a Horse to Nose Out and Head Toss?

When you ride your horse, you may notice that it noses out, especially during transitions and when working at a faster pace. You may also notice that the horse tosses its head excessively. Each of these common problems has its own possible causes, and as the rider you need to look at a number of things, from bit fitting to training and conditioning.

  1. Lack of Conditioning

    • Horses nose out when they become heavy on the forehand. Being heavy on the forehand simply means that the horse is not using its hindquarters to propel itself down the trail or around the arena. Before the horse can use its hindquarters properly, its back muscles must be well developed. A horse that is out of shape due to lack of exercise or conditioning will not be able to use the muscles in the hindquarters to their full potential. Conditioning the horse through exercise is the best way to build these muscles and help the horse move more fluidly.

    Poor Balance

    • Horses naturally balance themselves by distributing their weight between the forehand and the hindquarters. But this natural balance is thrown off by the introduction of a rider, and the horse must learn to balance itself all over again. The horse may nose out and become heavy on the forehand until it learns to balance properly. Exercises such as small circles and serpentines, or figure 8s, are good for teaching the horse to use its hindquarters for propulsion and to regain a proper balance.

    Improper Bit Fitting

    • Using a bit that is not well suited for your horse can cause it to toss its head. Improper bit fitting is an even bigger problem if the rider hangs on the reins or keeps too tight a contact with the bit. Trying several different kinds of bits is the best way to determine if head tossing is due to discomfort or another issue.

    Sharp Teeth

    • As they age, horses develop sharp points on their teeth, and those sharp points can cause discomfort or pain, especially when they have a bit in their mouth. If your horse suddenly develops a head-tossing problem or refuses to take the bit, call your vet to have its teeth checked. If a problem is found, the vet can grind those sharp points down to alleviate any issues.