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Horse Dressage Open Mouth

Hollow Mouth Dressage Weymouth $36.35 Stainless steel hollow mouth with 5 sliding cheeks.

Ovation Dressage Tee $13 Features the dressage-discipline horse logo print. Made of cotton/spandex jersey.

KMSS High Port Hollow Mouth 5 Cheek Dressage Curb Bit $35.95 KMSS High Port Dressage Bit – Stainless steel 7/8 hollow mouth high port curb bit with 5 cheeks.

Da Vinci Plain Raised Padded Dressage Browband $20.95 DaVinci Plain Raised Padded Dressage Browband Black Horse Size

Mountain Horse Victoria Dressage Boot $287.1 Exceptional craftsmanship makes the Victoria Dressage Boot stand out from the rest. Designed specifically for the serious dressage rider, the zipper is thoughtfully positioned forward of center on the inside of the boot, allowing seamless contact between your leg and your horse, while still maintaining a streamlined silhouette. An elegant dress boot with classic features and made in supple, full grain leather.THE LEG: Moderate Spanish cut topSoft pigskin napa liningStrong and durable full length YKK Vislon zipper on front, inside calfCovered, inside elastic gusset for a comfortable fitTHE FOOT: Spur restErgonomically-designed removable EVA insoleTHE SOLE: Built-in steel shank for increased stabilityDurable and slim-contour designed outsole has dirt repellent tread zones and provides an enhanced grip in the ironMaterial: Full grain leather.Lining: Pigskin napa.

Euro Steel Brass Hollow Low Port 5 Cheek Dressage Curb Bit $39.95 EURO STEEL(r) Bits Professionally designed and internationally acclaimed EURO STEEL bits are made of solid brass known for its easy acceptance by the horse and physical characteristics of developing better response and performance. Dressage Curb – Classic dressage 7/8 hollow mouth low port curb bit with 5 cheeks.

(2011 Model) Bates Innova Dressage Saddle $2575.9 From the original BATES, AUSTRALIA. The Bates Innova is the most innovative dressage saddle in the world. Groundbreaking innovations include the Contourbloc, anatomically contoured to the rider’s leg making it distinctly unique. Ride with confidence enjoying unprecedented security, as your leg effortlessly rides in and behind the bloc with no restriction. Contourblocs function in partnership with a deep, yet surprisingly open seat, providing instantaneous comfort, and a seamless transition for total engagement through effective communication. Innova features the ultimate performance panel with the CAIR Panel System for even weight distribution and the ultimate comfort for your horse. Couple this with the EASY-CHANGE Gullet System for unsurpassed flexibility in achieving an optimal fit.ENGAGE INNOVATION AND RIDE WITH CONFIDENCE.The Bates Innova features the revolutionary CAIR Panel System to facilitate greater communication, offering the ultimate comfort for your horse. Couple this with the EASY-CHANGE Gullet System and you achieve unsurpassed flexibility for an optimal fit for your horse, giving them the freedom to perform at their natural best. Click here for more information.

Passier PSL-D Dressage $4719.95 PASSIER PSL Dressage Saddle PASSIER PSL Dressage Saddle: Classic dressage saddle featuring long stretch leather knee panels on flaps and stretch leather seat. This unique stretch leather expands and molds to the rider’s seat and knee providing extra comfort and a self-conforming fit not available in any other saddle. The flexible cutback PASSIER PS tree fits perfectly on the dressage horse. Long billets prepunched for conversion to short billets for long girth if required. Smooth grain German leather. Regular tree width. Fittings not included with Saddle.

Veredus Piaffe Shield Dressage Horse Boot $204.2 Revolutionary overreach boot designed for protection of the whole heel area. Designed specifically for Dressage. The particular anatomic shape and protective material gurantees a perfect fit on the horse’s heel to give total protection.Anatomically designed protection in an elastic material that conforms perfectly to the horse’s foot, therefore eliminating rotation of the overreach boot itself.Extra carbon protection on heel area, which is at particular risk of injury and bruising.Double point fastening to ensure perfect fitting.Quick-release tips in non-deformable FLEXTAN on stainless-steel hooks.

(NEW 2012 MODEL) Bates Innova Dressage Saddle $2299 Click either Logo To Learn More and Watch Videos! From the original BATES, AUSTRALIA. The Bates Innova is the most innovative dressage saddle in the world. Groundbreaking innovations include the Contourbloc, anatomically contoured to the rider’s leg making it distinctly unique. Ride with confidence enjoying unprecedented security, as your leg effortlessly rides in and behind the bloc with no restriction. Contourblocs function in partnership with a deep, yet surprisingly open seat, providing instantaneous comfort, and a seamless transition for total engagement through effective communication. Innova features the ultimate performance panel with the CAIR Panel System for even weight distribution and the ultimate comfort for your horse. Couple this with the EASY-CHANGE Gullet System for unsurpassed flexibility in achieving an optimal fit.ENGAGE INNOVATION AND RIDE WITH CONFIDENCE.The Bates Innova features the revolutionary CAIR Panel System to facilitate greater communication, offering the ultimate comfort for your horse. Couple this with the EASY-CHANGE Gullet System and you achieve unsurpassed flexibility for an optimal fit for your horse, giving them the freedom to perform at their natural best. Click here for more information.

Lami-Cell Cell-Cor Dressage Saddle Pad $50 The Cell-Cor ultra-breathable, shock-absorbing saddle pad will keep you and your horse supremely comfortable. The pads innovative honeycomb core is composed of open cells that encourage constant air circulation and are oriented for maximum shock absorption, which means your horse will stay cooler on even the longest, hottest ride and without the usual discomfort of bumps or jolts under the saddle. The honeycomb interior is secured with tough square stitching and wont shift and the entire pad stays put with the reinforced girth and billet keepers. Machine washable.

KMSS Mullen Mouth 5 Cheek Dressage Curb Bit $30.95 KMSS Mullen Dressage Curb – Medium weight mullen mouthpiece, a strong bit that develops true head carriage of a head raised and bent at the poll with a relaxed lower jaw 5 cheek.

101 Dressage Exercises Book $30 Dressage Exercises for Horse & Rider features a full arena diagram and step-by- step instructions for each exercise. The exercises address all levels of riders, starting with the basics and moving up the levels. Training tips and masterly guidance make this an indispensable reference for all dressage riders. Even Western riders interested in enhancing their performance will find these foundational exercises useful.

Wintec Elastic Dressage Girth $41.25 Two inches of elastic in the center of the this high performance dressage girth allow it to stretch with the horse as you work. Pressure is evenly transferred over the whole surface of the girth with no pressure points or ridges. Elimination of pressure points combined with soft anti galling material makes the Wintec Elastic Dressage Girth one of the most comfortable girths on the market. Girth has stainless steel roller buckles.

TuffRider Dressage Show Coat Ladies $86 Your ladies Dressage show coat will keep you looking polished in the arena with 4 silver, antique horse head front buttons and a rear, two-button vent. Dry clean. 94% Polyester, 6% Lycra.

Puff Pad Dressage Style $24 Puff Pad Pillow Pads. Authentic Pillow Pad. Soft, pillow pad, top and bottom 100% cotton with thick poly fiber filler. A Puff Pad disperses pressure points, preventing many back problems. All horses benefit from the cushioning effect of a Puff Pad because the fiber filling acts as a shock absorber, breathes absorbing and evaporating moisture, molds to every horse and saddle. No straps. Dressage Pillow Pad. Larger 25 x 40 size for longer flap dressage saddles.

Bates Wide Dressage Cair Saddle $1845 The Bates Wide Dressage Saddle is acutting edge dressage saddle specially designed for the wider horse that supports an optimal dressage position for the rider with unparalleled comfort. It achives unprecedented comfort for the rider, supporting and optimal dressage position.Features include uniquely positioned stirrup bar, utilisation of the EASY-CHANGE Gullet System WIDE, adjustable Y-Girthing and Flexibloc Systems.CAIR Cushion system distributes weight across the panel, virtually eliminating pressure points for better performance and freer movement of horseNew Generation Easy-Change Gullet System Wide helps customize saddle fit to your horse’s wither

Wintec Chafeless Elastic Dressage Girth $47.3 This girth has all the advantages of the original elastic girth but with the addition of a curved shape, which reduces the width of material behind the horse’s elbows helping to prevent pinching of the horse’s skin. The equisuede surface of the Pro Elastic Girth looks and performs stunningly when used to complement the Wintec Pro Dressage or Wintec Isabell saddles.

COLLEGIATE Convertible Intellect Dressage Saddle $1097.95 Great quality craftsmanship made from a great company. This dressage saddle will make you and your horse feel at home in both style and comfort. Elegantly designed saddle suitable for all levels of dressage. Features a deep seat, large flaps, large knee rolls, plus the Easy-Change Gullet System (sold separatly) to provide the best fit for your horse.

Coronet Small Round Ring Eggbutt Dressage Bradoon Bit $21.3 Coronet Bits, Spurs, Stirrups, Irons and Accessories are made of the finest metals and materials and are held to the highest standards of quality control. Every piece is polished and inspected before leaving the factory. Close attention is paid to detail to make sure that all items will pass the criteria for breed and disciple regulations where appropriate. The eggbutt snaffle bit is mild and won’t pinch the horse’s lips. The mouth piece does not rotate around the ring. This bit has 2 rings and an 11 mm mouth.

KMSS Cambridge Mouth Sliding 5 Cheek Dressage Curb Bit $30.95 KMSS Sliding Cheek Curb Bit – Cambridge curb mouth on 5 sliding cheeks.

Equi-Bette PTD Dressage Saddle $715.95 EQUI-BETTE Model PTD Dressage Saddle EQUI-BETTE Model PTD Dressage Saddle: A classic saddle. The EQUI-BETTE PTD dressage saddle style has been a favorite of world renowned professionals and competitors for generations. The EQUI-BETTE PTD dressage saddle features a cutback head to fit every type of horse. The deep EQUI-BETTE PTD tree fits both horse and rider to perfection, keeping the rider deep in the seat for correct balance and perfect control. Long extended flaps are molded over modest knee rolls on the French panels. Made of premium quality German bridle leather in a dark Brown color with a hand waxed finish.

KMSS Loose Cheek Reining Horse Bit – 5 Mouth $25.95 KMSS Reining Horse Bit. Stainless steel 6-1/2 loose cheeks with reining horse mouth. Size:  5 Mouth

Ovation Dressage Crank Caveson – Black – Horse $72 Made in Italian hand finished leather.           Color: BlackSize:  Horse

Serlohn Stahl Eggbutt Bradoon $43.95 SERLOHN STAHL(r) Dressage Bradoon – Tapered mouth with 2-1/2 eggbutt rings. Used with the dressage curb to raise and place the horse’s head.

Gold Medal Piaffe Dressage Saddle $2319.95 GOLD MEDAL Piaffe Dressage Saddle GOLD MEDAL Piaffe Dressage Saddle GOLD MEDAL Saddlery has taken the similar design of the popular COUNTY COMPETITOR and Crosby Prix St. George dressage saddles and improved and refined the saddle to a superior high level dressage saddle. The Piaffe is made on a deep seat beechwood laminated spring-tree with narrow twist to put the rider into the seat and give close contact with the horse. A genuine pigskin seat is used because of its durability over grained leather seats which stretch and wear through, thus distorting the rider’s seat. French panels are wool flocked to allow the saddle to mold to the natural conformation of the horses back for the ultimate in fit and a correct seat position. Flap and panel have been designed to promote greater closeness and contact. Long chrome leather saddle billets require a short dressage girth. Saddle flap is looped on backside for billets to restrain flap. Made in England of the finest quality oiled saddle leather.

ThinLine Dressage Bridle with Plain Noseband $242.1 ThinLine padding in the noseband and crown provides equal pressure distribution in the areas your horse needs it most to perform at his best. ThinLine’s anti-fungal feature and breathability make it the perfect lining choice to keep your horse comfortable and their skin healthy. Each dressage bridle comes with a pair of standard 54 ThinLine Reins, which are no-slip and aid in creating soft, supple contact and feel, and this combo will provide a one-two punch to increased performance and scores!

ThinLine Dressage Bridle with Flash Noseband $242.1 ThinLine padding in the noseband and crown provides equal pressure distribution in the areas your horse needs it most to perform at his best. ThinLine’s anti-fungal feature and breathability make it the perfect lining choice to keep your horse comfortable and their skin healthy. Each dressage bridle comes with a pair of standard 54 ThinLine Reins, which are no-slip and aid in creating soft, supple contact and feel, and this combo will provide a one-two punch to increased performance and scores!

Happy Mouth Boucher Bit with Jointed Mouth $45 Happy Mouth Bits – Gentler Bits for a Happier Horse! The Unique Apple Scent encourages horses to accept the bit and the space age polymer provide for a gentler bit for a happier horse.

Happy Mouth King Dee Jointed Mouth Bit $47.7 Happy Mouth Bits – Gentler Bits for a Happier Horse! The Unique Apple Scent encourages horses to accept the bit and the space age polymer provide for a gentler bit for a happier horse.

KMSS Hollow Low Port 7/8 5 Cheek Dressage Curb Bit $35.95 KMSS Dressage Curb Bit – Stainless steel 7/8 hollow mouth low port curb bit with 5 cheeks.

Breyer WEG Games Stablemate Para Dressage – BH9122 $4.5 Palomino Para Dressage Horse. This authentically sculpted Stablemate horse represents, in miniature (1:32 scale), one of the eight disciplines of the 2010 ALLTECH FEI World Equestrian Games. Some of the bravest and most determined equestrian competitors are the riders. Often competing on borrowed horses, they overcome a variety of obstacles posed by their disabilities to compete in the Para Dressage event of the World Equestrian Games.

Apple Mouth Ported Mouth Weymouth Curb Bit $55.95 Apple Mouth(r) Flavored Ported Mouthpieces – Patents Pending (Weymouth curb) Absolutely the very best mouthpiece for young or tender mouthed horses. The apple flavored polyurethane mouth stimulates salivation for greater response and control. Designed with the horse’s mouth in mind, the mouthpiece is both ported and mullen (arched forward), directing pressure over a wide area, complementing the actual shape of a horse’s mouth.

Apple Mouth Solid Mouth Round Ring Eggbutt $31.95 Apple Mouth(r) Flavored Synthetic Mouthpieces: (Round ring Eggbutt Flexible Mouth) Absolutely the very best bit for young or tender mouthed horses. Works wonders on developed show or sport horses. Revolutionary polyurethane mouthpiece is apple flavored and easily accepted by every horse. This material will not peel or flake in horse’s mouth. The Apple Mouth(r) bit is long-wearing, non-allergenic and stimulates salivation for greater response. The APPLE MOUTH bit is shaped to fit the tongue and bars of the mouth. The thick mouthpiece is very effective on young horses and aids in redeveloping mouths of older or hard-mouthed horses.

Apple Mouth Solid Mouth Pelham Bit $47.95 Apple Mouth(r) Flavored Synthetic Mouthpieces: (Pelham Bit, Flexible Mouth) Absolutely the very best bit for young or tender mouthed horses. Works wonders on developed show or sport horses. Revolutionary polyurethane mouthpiece is apple flavored and easily accepted by every horse. This material will not peel or flake in horse’s mouth. The Apple Mouth(r) bit is long-wearing, non-allergenic and stimulates salivation for greater response. The APPLE MOUTH bit is shaped to fit the tongue and bars of the mouth. The thick mouthpiece is very effective on young horses and aids in redeveloping mouths of older or hard-mouthed horses.

Apple Mouth Solid Mouth Weymouth Curb Bit $47.95 Apple Mouth(r) Flavored Synthetic Mouthpieces: (Weymouth Curb Bit, Flexible Mouth) Absolutely the very best bit for young or tender mouthed horses. Works wonders on developed show or sport horses. Revolutionary polyurethane mouthpiece is apple flavored and easily accepted by every horse. This material will not peel or flake in horse’s mouth. The Apple Mouth(r) bit is long-wearing, non-allergenic and stimulates salivation for greater response. The APPLE MOUTH bit is shaped to fit the tongue and bars of the mouth. The thick mouthpiece is very effective on young horses and aids in redeveloping mouths of older or hard-mouthed horses.

Apple Mouth Jointed Mouth Weymouth Curb Bit $47.95 Apple Mouth(r) Flavored Synthetic Mouthpieces: (Weymouth Curb Bit, Jointed Mouth) Absolutely the very best bit for young or tender mouthed horses. Works wonders on developed show or sport horses. Revolutionary polyurethane mouthpiece is apple flavored and easily accepted by every horse. This material will not peel or flake in horse’s mouth. The Apple Mouth(r) bit is long-wearing, non-allergenic and stimulates salivation for greater response. The APPLE MOUTH bit is shaped to fit the tongue and bars of the mouth. The thick mouthpiece is very effective on young horses and aids in redeveloping mouths of older or hard-mouthed horses.

Apple Mouth Solid Mouth Flat Ring Eggbutt $35.95 Apple Mouth(r) Flavored Synthetic Mouthpieces: (Flat Ring Eggbutt – Flexible Mouth) Absolutely the very best bit for young or tender mouthed horses. Works wonders on developed show or sport horses. Revolutionary polyurethane mouthpiece is apple flavored and easily accepted by every horse. This material will not peel or flake in horse’s mouth. The Apple Mouth(r) bit is long-wearing, non-allergenic and stimulates salivation for greater response. The APPLE MOUTH bit is shaped to fit the tongue and bars of the mouth. The thick mouthpiece is very effective on young horses and aids in redeveloping mouths of older or hard-mouthed horses.

Ovation Airform Chafeless Dressage Girth $30.6 The award winning Easy-Care Airform girth is horse and user friendly. Cushioned and textured for air flow, it stays incredibly soft no matter how much use it gets. Can be sponged clean in seconds. Hypo-allergenic. Made with stainless steel roller buckles to extend the use of the girth straps and your hands. Keeps hold the dressage girth neatly in place.

Professionals Choice SMX Dressage Girth $55.95 Perfect in form and function, the SMx Dressage Girth is practical with elastic and roller buckles on both ends. More comfortable for your horse than traditional leather because it doesnt have to be over-tightened. The non-slip neoprene ensures that your saddle will stay secure and the handy detachable neoprene back makes it easy to wash. Great for training or competition. Available in Black only.

Equi-Prene Three Buckle Lonsdale Dressage Girth $35.95 Pro-Thane Anti-Gall Girths. Rubberized fabric girths designed for the ultimate comfort of your horse. Anti-gall girths made from non-irritating, waffle weave poly-urethane foam that is strong, soft, easily cleaned and will not absorb sweat or bacteria. Stainless steel roller girth buckles. Washes easily in bucket of water and soap. Equi-Prene 3-Buckle Lonsdale Dressage Girth. Classic dressage girth with third buckle set for flap girth.

Equi-Bette Grand Prix Dressage Girth $103.95 EQUI-BETTE Grand Prix Dressage Girth. Patent Pending. The finest girth made for the highest level of dressage competition. Made from full grain English tannage leather, padded and lined over saddler’s felt that conforms with the girth to the horse. Stainless steel roller buckles. Double elastic end.

TuffRider Dressage Shadbelly $180 Elegance made affordable. Properly tailored for a superb look, made in 100% polyester with antique silver horse head buttons. Complete with vest points.

Roma Warendorfer Dressage Whip $15.15 Roma Brand Quality. Products made from the finest materials with a complete line horse. Depend on Roma products for great quality and price.

Ovation Pro Dressage Girth $40.5 Keep your horse extremely comfortable. Easy to clean removable no-slip hook & loop backing. Stainless steel roller buckles and double elastic at both ends.

Roma Kool Dressage Whip $9 Roma Brand Quality. Products made from the finest materials with a complete line horse. Depend on Roma products for great quality and price.

Happy Mouth Jointed Mouth Kimberwicke $54 The unique Apple scent encourages horses to accept the bit and the spage age polymer provides for a gentler bit for a happier horse.

Happy Mouth Jointed Mouth Pelham $62.1 The unique Apple scent encourages horses to accept the bit and the spage age polymer provides for a gentler bit for a happier horse.

Coronet Waterford Mouth Walking Horse Bit – 5 $30.6 Coronet Bits, Spurs, Stirrups, Irons and Accessories are made of the finest metals and materials and are held to the highest standards of quality control. Every piece is polished and inspected before leaving the factory. Close attention is paid to detail to make sure that all items will pass the criteria for breed and disciple regulations where appropriate. A more demanding bit that works on the tongue and both jaws. This will get your horse’s attention because thinner mouth pieces on bits have traditionally been considered more severe. This bit has a very thin mouthpiece. 5 CheeksSize:  5

Serlohn Stahl Low Port Dressage Weymouth Curb Bit – 5 $63.95 SERLOHN STAHL(r) Dressage Weymouth Curb – (Low Port) Thick and hollow mouth with 5-1/2 cheeks. Used with a dressage Bradoon. Has a broad surface that is kind and comfortable. Size:  5

Serlohn Stahl High Port Dressage Weymouth Curb Bit – 5 $63.95 SERLOHN STAHL(r) Dressage Weymouth Curb – (High Port) Thick and hollow mouth with 5-1/2 cheeks. Used with a dressage Bradoon. Has a broad surface that is kind and comfortable. Size:  5

Serlohn Stahl Medium Port Dressage Weymouth Curb Bit – 5 $63.95 SERLOHN STAHL(r) Dressage Weymouth Curb – (Medium Port) Thick and hollow mouth with 5-1/2 cheeks. Used with a dressage Bradoon. Has a broad surface that is kind and comfortable. Size:  5

TuffRider Ladies Dressage Show Coat Plus $89.95 Our Popular Ladies Dressage Show Coat Is Now Available In Plus Sizes! It Will Keep You Looking Polished In The Arena With 4 Silver, Antique Horse Head Front Buttons And A Rear, Two-Button Vent. Dry Clean. 94% Polyester, 6% Lycra.

Breyer WEG Games Stablemate Dressage – BH9117 $4.5 This Stablemates horse represents, in miniature, one of the eight disciplines of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Dressage requires a specific type of equine athlete with the capacity to perform demanding movements, like the piaffe and the passage. This WEG line was released spring of 2010, then retired at the end of 2010.

Some horses are difficult to bit and to put a bridle on. There can be many reasons for this and many of which are due to inconsiderate handling by the carer and ill-fitting equipment resulting in discomfort, pain and a negative cycle of reaction to this. Firstly the physical reasons for unwillingness to accept the bit and bridle need to be removed. Eliminating the cause and possible reasons for this will not always stop the unwillingness for acceptance as the horse will now associate the bridle and its parts with pain. However once they are removed if the carer actis with patience and understanding to the reasons the horse is behaving in the protective way he is, the unpleasant association the horse feels can be decreased over time and gradually eliminated.

Physical signs that a horse is in pain, uncomfortable or has an unhappy association with the bit or the bridle can often manifest itself in a variety of unexpected ways. Many owners report that their horse does not like their ears being touched, can become scared when the reins are put over their head and will not want to open their mouth. When ridden signs the horse is unhappy can include snatching their head forward pulling the reins out of the riders hands, rearing, bucking and holding the bit in their mouth.

When understood that the horse may not necessarily be being naughty and that there may be a reason for these negative reactions, the solution can be identified more easily and a harmonious situation can be achieved. If the horse is nervous when the reins are placed over his head, the buckle can be undone and refastened around the horses neck. If the horse does not like his ears being touched (once any problems with his ears or teeth have been identified, ruled out and / or dealt with), bridles can be used that have bit clips. This allows the owner to put the bridle on in stages, preventing the need for the horses ears to be pulled through the gap. The headpiece and browband can be placed over his ears and the bit is clipped onto the cheek pieces once in place.

Bit clips mean that the bridle can be put on without the tedious task of undoing and reattaching the bilet straps of cheek pieces. If the horse is reluctant to open his mouth and accept the bit into his mouth it is often due to poor handling when removing the bridle from the horse, causing the metal bit to knock on the horses teeth. One well known trick is to half then hollow out a carrot length ways and place it snugly around the bit. This can them be offered to the horse when laid on your hand and slipped into place. Some horses can just not like the feel of a metal bit in their mouth. Professional dentists have often said that reluctance to accept the bit before and during ridden work can be down to the fact that they don’t like metal bits, or associate them with discomfort. Switching to a plastic / happy-mouth bit can often result in a much happier horse.

Bridle acceptance and biting problems can be worked out with a little investigative work, patience and understanding.

Tammy is a avid horse rider who tries to advertise the best ways to be looking after horses. Tammy works part time for a company who specialise in supplying Equine Elevator sets as well as offers on horse dentistry blades in the UK. For more info, please visit, Anything Equine Dentistry.

How to stop my horse? More complicated than it sounds!?

I have been riding for four years, english, first at a jumping stable, then a dressage stable. I am still at the dressage stable, although we focus more on jumping again now, and at the moment, just pleasure. I ride a 22-year-old Morgan gelding, and I don’t jump right now because he’s a bit old. He was originally trained Western, and I used to ride a horse who liked a lot of contact with the bit, and since T.C. (The Morgan) was trained in western, he now rejects my contact. I have adjusted to loosening the reins, but when we canter from the walk, if he doesn’t canter, I bring him right back down. But often he flings his head up and opens his mouth at any pressure from the bit, even while slowing down, so we’ll be trotting around the arena a few times instead of “right back down to the walk”. We have tried everything we can think of, but nothing seems to be working. Please give me some pointers!

Ok, I’m going to go ahead and say I COMPLETELY disagree with the person that says just beat the horse till he listens.
no.
I actually have a Morgan/Arab cross that does the same thing.. or used to. What kind of a bit are you using? If you’re using a normal snaffle that has one joint in the middle and he’s still doing this, I’d try a french link/Dr. Bristol or whatever you’d like to call it. Sometimes horses that were ridden western had very harsh bits in their mouths and the roof of their mouth is permanently sore. This fixed a bit of the problem for Punky (My horse).

Another thing that might help, since you know dressage and you’ll be able to implement what I’m saying, would be to use less hand.
I know it sounds really stupid and very obvious, but ride with your energy, instead of your hands.
My trainer tells me to concentrate on the four points of my feet. In a way think that you have a square on the ball of your foot and you want to send your horse’s energy through the square and touching each point.
It’s a good way to concentrate on something else.
There are other methods of using energy as well that makes you calm and can help the horse slow down from a canter to walk. Such as having a “ball” of energy in your pelvis that you can move forward and backward and side to side when you want to steer or control the pace..

I know it all sounds weird, but this is a new way of dressage that REALLY works.
Punky always has a habit of cantering then doing this 10000000 mile an hour trot before the walk. And the energy thing seems to work really well.
If you’re more interested in anything I’d love to help just shoot me an email at my name + @yahoo.com