tilting head when inhand

[shelliewilson]

just wondered on your opinions on how you would tackle the problem of when leading my pony inhand in his bridle he tilts his head 90 degrees to the right side?? really dont know why he does this and plz dont say a halter etc as he done this today in a hoys qualifier and they have to be run in there ridden bridles, also he has once or twice done it when putting him out in a headcollar so i am presuming it is not his bit thats causing it! any ideas???

thanks shellie

[angelena]

My mare did this when I bought her, it turned out she was all tight down right hand side due to been shown alot, you always take them round the ring on the right hand side so that explained it.

[sageandonion]

What happens when you lead from the other side, at home obviously

[Deleted]

A head tilt is normally a muscular problem. Get your vet to refer you to a physio or muscular therapist. They can sort out most head tilts very simply x

[shelliewilson]

thanks to everyones advice i will try all of them :-)

[dancer]

LP is correct!

I had our pony 'thermal imaged' today & he has terrible muscle damage all down one side of his neck, over his rump & some 'hot spots' under the middle of his saddle - not sure which occurred first but the others could have been a result of the pony holding himself 'one sided' to compensate for the pain.

Until last week he was out competing in flat classes & WH & didn't show any signs of a problem apart from tilting his head to one side when doing the conformation phase!

[Deleted]

Thank you Dancer - its my job LOL

My grey mare used to have a head tilt. Dressage judges HATE it !

Fairly easily sorted, by often returns the minute the muscle gets tight again. At least you get a very obvious message of when your horse needs treatment

[catkin]

Once any physical problems are ironed out, try leading the pony from the wrong side when not in the ring.