I recently went to a dressage show and took third. ON the comments the judge said that my horse needs to relax his back more. My trainer says that's just Wahoo. Though it can probably be fixed he's an old horse that doesn't like learning new tricks. After losing both my horses I've finally found a great one to ride. I've never felt about a horse the way I do about Wahoo. He's amazing and a great guy that acts like he's eight not eighteen. I really love him and I don't want to find a new horse. But unless I resolve some issues it won't be practical to buy him. He also flops his head around endlessly and has trouble listening to my aids. he moves to my legs and all but when we're cantering at a show I sometimes lose control of him. I mean he doesn't freak but he totally ignores me telling him to stop. I know it's probably my fault for most of it, but please give me some ideas for some of my problems. I really don't want to lose this horse. Though I know he's probably not for sale, his owner has had him for sixteen years, I love him and if I could resolve some of our little issues I'd make an offer on him like that!

As far as the aids go, can't help you there, sorry! As for his back, look into some stretching exercises for him. Maybe give him a little bit more time to warm up on a loose reign. It's possible that he's just stiff. Also, you may want to check out some books by Linda Tellington-Jones. Massage (or TTouch, if you read some of Linda's books) may help. W/out seeing him, I really can't help you otherwise.

That's all that I can think of that might help... Has a vet and/or chiropractor been out to look at him? Whenever people tell me about back problems my first thought is I wonder if there's some soreness, to be honest. Anyways, hope this helps at least a little.

Thanx for your help! My trainer switched me over to a six year old though. Now i have new problems, but he's a really great horse. Hey, you wouldn't think of a horse as being cuddly but trust me, if I let him he'd sit in my lap! LOL Thanx anyway.