Have you ever been riding your horse and he or she starts tossing their head around for seemingly no reason? If so, you’re not alone. Many riders experience this phenomenon, which is known as “head tossing.” In this post, we’ll take a look at why horses do this and what you can do to help alleviate the issue. Stay tuned!
What might be causing your horse to toss its head
Horses toss or bob their heads for a number of reasons. It’s important to find the cause before resorting to a harsher bit, martingale or tie-down. Let’s take a look at the most common reason behind it.
Bits: The most common reason for head tossing is a reaction to the bit. The bit can rub against the horse’s gums and tongue, causing irritation. If your horse is tossing its head, check the fit of the bit and make sure that it is not too tight or too loose.
You should also make sure that the bit is the appropriate size and style for your horse. If you’re unsure, consult with a qualified trainer or veterinarian.
Severe Pain: Another potential cause of head tossing is a pain in the neck or back. This can be due to an injury, poor posture, ill-fitting tack, or even arthritis. If you suspect that your horse is experiencing pain, have him examined by a veterinarian.
Insects: Another potential reason for head tossing is a reaction to insects. If your horse is being bothered by flies, he may start to toss his head in an attempt to get rid of them.
If you think that insects are the issue, try using a fly mask or spray. You can also consult with your veterinarian about other possible solutions.
General Discomfort: There are a number of other reasons why your horse may be discomforted. For example, he may be uncomfortable due to the weather (if it’s too hot or cold), his surroundings (if he’s in a new place), or his rider (if the rider is inexperienced or uses poor technique).
If you can’t identify the cause of your horse’s discomfort, try to eliminate as many potential sources as possible. For example, if he’s uncomfortable due to the weather, bring him inside or provide him with shelter. If he’s uncomfortable due to his rider, have someone else ride him for a while.
Learn More About Horse: The Ultimate Guide To Ownership & Care
What you can do to stop your horse from tossing its head
Once you’ve determined the cause of your horse’s head tossing, you can take steps to address the issue. Here are some things you can do:
Check the bit:
As we mentioned above, the most common cause of head tossing is a reaction to the bit. Make sure that the bit fits properly and is the appropriate size and style for your horse. You may also want to try using a different type of bit.
If you’re unsure about what type of bit to use, consult with a qualified trainer or veterinarian.
Learn More: How to Stop Your Horse From Biting
Examine your horse’s mouth:
Another potential cause of head tossing is an injury or irritation in the horse’s mouth. Take a look inside your horse’s mouth to see if you can identify any injuries or irritations. If you find anything, have your vet take a look.
Check for pain:
As we mentioned above, another potential cause of head tossing is pain. If you think that your horse may be in pain, have him examined by a veterinarian.
Eliminate insects:
If you think that insects are bothering your horse, try using a fly mask or spray. You can also consult with your veterinarian about other possible solutions.
Make sure your horse is comfortable
There are a number of other reasons why your horse may be discomforted. Make sure that he has access to shelter from the weather and that he’s not being bothered by flies or other insects. You should also make sure that his tack fits properly.
If you can’t identify the cause of your horse’s discomfort, try to eliminate as many potential sources as possible.
Read More: Horse Training: When Is Discipline Abuse?
Consult with a professional:
If you’re still having trouble figuring out why your horse is tossing his head, consult with a qualified trainer or veterinarian. They will be able to help you identify the cause of the problem and find a solution.
Additional resources on horses and their behavior
If you want to learn more about horses and their behavior, we recommend checking out the following resources:
- The Horse: From Birth to Maturity by Jill Haight
- Horse Behavior by Paulette Johnson
- Understanding Horse Behavior by Elizabeth Vanek
- The Complete Book of Horse Care by Cherry Hill
These are just a few of the many great resources that are available on this topic. We encourage you to do some additional research to find the information that best suits your needs.
