July 2004

Shake, Rattle And Roll

A chronic headshaker needs you to take a calm, systematic approach.

A nose cover when riding, such as this long Cashel Crusader Riding Mask, may help headshaking.

Horses shake their heads for a variety of reasons, some normal, some related to obvious sources of pain and some cases apparently to extremely unpleasant sensations. Headshaking when you’re riding is at best annoying and at worst downright dangerous.

To deal with it correctly, you have to systematically rule out potential causes. It makes sense to start with the most likely causes and work your way up. First check to be sure the horse is not experiencing any type of pain or irritation that can be corrected. Some horses have a good reason for flipping their heads, and if you don’t correct the cause early on it could become a…