I have a 8 yr old mare that I have been racing since she was 5 and she has been really good but now she is trying to stick her nose in the air and do what she want's to do. She has had her teeth done and they are fine. But I was thinking some kind of Hack. She doesn't need a lot of bit. Just some nose control .....
Racing? Flat racing? It's not "nose control" that she needs - - what she's doing is attempting to avoid the bit, probably due to your hands. It's a training issue (if her teeth are indeed in good condition). She may also have a sore back, as they'll run with their head in the air if their back is sore, and their back will become sore if they're allowed to run with their "nose in the air."
In other words, you don't need different equipment - - you need to make sure her back isn't sore (also hocks and stifles) and need to do some retraining and work on your hands and riding postion at the gallop.
EDIT: Oh. Barrel racing. When you're doing your conditioning work at the trot and gallop (ie, not running the barrels), how does she carry her head? Work on the canter work encouraging her to rate and keep her head at the correct height, and with minimal pressure. I'm guessing you ride in some sort of shank bit. Maybe alternate the conditioning work using a (true) snaffle and a leverage bit and encouraging her to stretch back down onto the snaffle bit. A true snaffle, not a western leverage with a broken mouthpiece. I guarantee you she's attempting to avoid the bit. Also experiment with different leverage bits for competing (if you need a leverage bit to compete). Go milder, not harsher.
Think of it from her point of view! I definately recommend a hack! All I ride in is a rope halter and thats all anyone should ride in. She is not respecting you if she wants to do what she wants to do so play with her on the ground until she is mentally connected to you, then when you get on she will respect you more. For the nose in the air, are you riding fluid with her? Does the saddle fit right? There is obviously a reason that she is doing that so just ride her and when she starts to pick her head up, realize what you are doing and stop doing that.
curb hackamore its what i use and my horse did the same thing you need to get a curb hackamore witha chain on the bottom like on the bit but the chain dosent go in her mouth it goes wight under her chin so when you go to turn her it will pull both of the curbs the same why oh and the curbs are what hand down from a bit the things that you hook the rains to hope ive helped
The bit is probably too much for her. So yes, try a hackamore or bosal, and see how she does. Also use a tie-down on her so she can ' t lift her nose unusually high like she is doing.
Azeri has given you sound advice, my suggestion is you follow her advice, some times young people surprise me with their knowledge and common sense.
her stomach, or heart is probabl; y hurting her
