Horse Head Tossing

Horse head tossing is a common problem for which people often want a solution in the form of a technique or device to physically prevent the horse from tossing his head. But natural horse training takes a different approach. We ask, “What is causing your horse’s head tossing?” and, “How can you better prepare the horse so that he doesn’t feel the need to throw and toss his head?"

Horses are frank and truthful animals. Through their body language, they tell you what they’re thinking and feeling. A horse that tosses his head is exhibiting displaced behavior. For example, the head tossing might be a way your horse is telling you that he wants to go faster than you are allowing his feet to go and so there is a disconnect – or lack of unity – between the horse’s mental state/desire and his physical state. Or it might indicate a lack of unity/communication with the rider. The foundation of Parelli Natural Horsemanship is developing the relationship/communication between the horse and rider so we become more knowledgeable and perceptive about what they’re trying to communicate.

Here are some Parelli Natural Horsemanship approaches to solving horse head tossing problems:

• We teach and encourage people how to develop more of a partner relationship with their horses. One of the keys to this is learning to “play” with a horse on the ground. By observing how horses play with each other to establish communication, leadership, relationship and respect, Pat Parelli developed a series of Seven Games. What do “games” and “relationships” have to do with stopping horses from tossing their heads? This approach to horse training works on the horse’s attitude and teaches the human to become a leader and partner that the horse will understand, respect and follow. 
• Once your horse is successfully partnering with you on the ground, the next thing to undertake is the proper use of reins. Parelli horse training advocates two reins for communication and only one for control. Holding a horse back with two reins almost guarantees that he'll toss his head or push on the bit because he becomes more claustrophobic and it engages his hindquarters.
• Next, become more conscious about your riding style. Is it casual or concentrated? 90% of what you do with a horse should be with a long, casual rein. To ask too much of a horse on concentrated reins is like holding your dance partner in a formal dance position without letting up. Be sensitive about what you are asking and use the principle of "approach and retreat" to give your horse relief. If you’re already riding with loose reins and your horse is still tossing his head, it may be a negative conditioned response. If you understand the psychology of this and see it as a mental glitch, that will help you help the horse get through it.  
• Also watch what you’re putting in your horse's mouth. A snaffle is the best bit for teaching because it’s designed for lateral flexion. If you find yourself going to a shank bit for more control, you are going the wrong way. You need better lateral flexion and more respect first, so check out where you’re at through the Seven Games. Shank bits need to be used for greater refinement, NOT control! They are designed to improve vertical flexion and engagement, which you'll want from a partner that has already learned to use strength in a positive way. Tie-downs and martingales are artificial solutions rather than natural horsemanship. Parelli is the “bigger brain not the bigger bit" approach.

The goal of Parelli horse training is to help people become more knowledgeable around horses so they don't have to resort to mechanical gadgets for problems like horse head tossing. Instead, they can learn to develop harmony and unity through understanding, communication, and psychology.