off the track

Question
QUESTION: hi i have had my off the track thoroughbred for 2 months and i am having trouble rounding him up as he has some damaged tissue at the top of his head which makes it stick out, any tips please help.

ANSWER: Hi Sarah,
        I'm not quite sure what the problem is here. Is it the damaged skin or the fact you can't catch the horse that is worrying you.
I guess if you can't catch him you can't check his head so lets deal with that first.
Ask the previous trainer what works, he will have had the same problem!
Or tempt him into a pen with some little treat!
Or get some help to round him up, use a long piece of garden netting to corner him. Be careful not to frighten him and do it real slow.
Make a fuss of him when you finally catch him, a good rub down, brush, untangle his tail and mane etc and give him an apple or two.
Another good tactic that used to work with my Shetland pony was to sit in a chair in the middle of his paddock and read a book. Curiosity will get the better of him in the end. Turn away from him as he gets closer, the same as you would do with a naughty kid!
Another tactic is to use another couple of horses to box him in.
Try all these things, it will be fun seeing which tactic works. Your horse will enjoy it too!
Horses love attention so play on that.
Regards,
Don



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi its me again, i think i didn't explain myself properly when i said round up i mean when i'm riding him i am having trouble getting him down on the bit.

Answer
Hi Sarah,
        Not sure if it was your use of the term 'round up' or my understanding of that term which in NZ generally means to gather up or catch and restrain!
Ahh the English language, so many meanings for each word or term!

I'm afraid I'm not much use to you when it comes to mouth training and tongue behavior (I have enough trouble with my own tongue}!.
I always reckon that the dressage discipline requires the best mouth/bit control so I'd ask for help from a local who rides dressage.
Hope this helps,
Regards
Don