Mi caballo levanta la cabeza bruscamente al montar, tira hacia arriba o se pone tenso con la embocadura.

Antes que nada, descarta dolor físico. Un fisioterapeuta equino puede detectar contracturas. Cambia a embocadura de doble articulación con cobre, o de goma. Sprenger KK Ultra es muy aceptada. Trabajo en suelo con cavesson para restablecer confianza y soltura sin las manos del jinete.

¿Por qué pasa esto? — Causa: Embocadura demasiado dura

Un bocado de palanca o de barra rígida en caballo sensible o joven causa tensión.

¿Por qué pasa esto? — Causa: Manos del jinete demasiado activas

Manos que tiran o vibran sin armonía hacen al caballo defenderse hacia arriba.

¿Por qué pasa esto? — Causa: Dolor cervical o dorsal

Una contractura, problema vertebral o mal estado físico generan resistencia hacia arriba.

My Horse Throws His Head Up — Causes and Solutions

Updated: May 2026 · Rincón del Valle Technical Team

The problem

"My horse sharply raises its head when ridden, pulls up, or becomes tense with the bit."

This is one of the most frequent problems clients consult us about in our physical store in A Coruña and via WhatsApp. Here, we break it down with real causes and proven solutions.

Why does this happen? — Frequent causes

Bit too harsh. A leverage bit or rigid bar bit on a sensitive or young horse causes tension.
Rider's hands too active. Hands that pull or vibrate without harmony make the horse defend itself by raising its head.
Neck or back pain. A muscle contracture, vertebral problem, or poor physical condition generates upward resistance.
Lack of progression in training. Horse not prepared for the exercise being asked (premature collection, confusing aids).
Throatlatch/curb strap too tight. A bridle that presses on the throat makes breathing difficult when the horse lowers its head.

How to solve it

Solution 1: Veterinary check-up

First of all, rule out physical pain. An equine physiotherapist can detect contractures.

Solution 2: Softer bit

Switch to a double-jointed bit with copper, or a rubber bit. Sprenger KK Ultra is very well accepted.

Solution 3: Lunging without a bit

Groundwork with a cavesson to re-establish confidence and suppleness without the rider's hands.

Solution 4: Lessons with an experienced instructor

If your hands are not educated enough, regular lessons help more than buying more equipment.

Solution 5: Correctly adjust the bridle

Follow the adjustment guide. Especially the throatlatch/curb strap.

Products that can help

When to seek professional help

If you have tried these solutions and the problem persists, consider consulting with:

Riding professional: an experienced instructor can see nuances that escape others.
Equine veterinarian: ruling out physical problems is always prudent.
Saddle fitter / Bit fitter: specialists in saddle or bit adjustment.
Our Rincón del Valle team: write to us at info@rincondv.com or WhatsApp 620 17 64 18 explaining your case. We advise without obligation.

More resources

Rincón del Valle technical team — equestrian equipment specialists who handle cases like this daily. Physical store in A Coruña + online advice throughout Spain.