How to Set a Gaited Horses Head

Gaited horses have become incredibly popular since the 1990's due to their even cadence and bounce-free rides. With back injuries and other orthopedic problems on the rise, more and more equine enthusiasts are turning to the gaited breeds for their equine sports activity. Along with the unique gaits, these horses have a charisma and way of going that is breed specific. One of these traits is a relatively high headset. Knowing how to achieve this headset is important to the gaited horse enthusiast.

Things You'll Need

  • Bridle
  • Bit
  • Longe-line
  • Longe-Whip
  • Surcingle
  • Side reins
  • Saddle
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Instructions

  1. How to set a gaited horses head

    • 1

      Begin by teaching your horse to flex his head and neck. This is done by gently but firmly pulling his head towards his shoulder on both sides. Pressure is exerted until he bends his nose in, then released. Start slow and work up until he can move his nose as far as he is physically capable. This builds up strength in his muscles and improves his balance.

    • 2

      Ask him to walk, and repeat the flexing exercise while the horse is in motion. You can do this on the ground or under saddle, but prepare for the horse to feel unbalanced as he is asked to move his feet in places he cannot see them. As he practices flexing while in motion, his balance will improve over several lessons.

    • 3

      Longe the horse freely for ten minutes to loosen him up. Ask him to flex both ways, then attach the side reins from the bit to the middle ring or the thigh area of the surcingle or saddle.

    • 4

      Tighten the reins until the horse is forced to break slightly at the poll, then ask him to work on the longe line with his head set in this position.

    • 5

      Repeat this lesson and tighten the side reins by small increments every day, until the horse has his face on the vertical. By now he should be used to moving at all gaits with his head in the proper position.

    • 6

      Transition from longe line to saddle, and repeat the lessons. If you have done your work slowly and thoroughly, your horse should set his head properly as he gaits.