Anyone got any advice ??

[Jen92]

Hey all,
Well basically i had a nasty fall just before christmas when i was jumping, i fell and almost broke my neck .. not good lol
But since then i had just been hacking to get myself back into the swing of it and feel confident in the saddle again.
But whenever i go into the sandschool i get so nervous .. i have got over my fear of cantering its now just the jumping which i am terrorfied of but i really want to keep jumping, i just dont know how to get over my fear

Any advice to help get back into jumping would be very much apreciated x

 

[BFG]

Take it slow and get help, and instructor or just someone you trust things aren’t as scary when there is someone with you.

I would put poles out and keep going over them but do it every time you are in the school till you are going over them and breathing at the same time then progress. I find repetition is the best way and if i have a week between jumping it all seams scary again.

Good luck and remember this sport is meant to be fun!

 

[nobbster]

i had the same thing where my horse jumped a 4ft fence from a stand still and i got knocked out, i then lost all confidence but what i had to do was just go for the plunge but start small and i used to (well still do) sing as im going in to the jump so it takes my mind of it or say a word backwards then you have to think of that not jumping it does work, honest.

 

[Kenzo]

Concentrate on lots of pole work to build both you and your horses confidence up along with a friendly instructor that can inject some humour into your lessons. If you used to do a lot of jumping then I presume you'll know your stuff anyway so its more case of making the time in the school enjoyable once more, it always helps when you have some back up with someone just watching you, being there giving you praise when its due but also pushing you when you need it.

Don't put yourself under any pressure, there is no rush, there is more to do than just jumping when you hit the school, but if you do want to jump again, why not practice pairs with someone and have a bit of friendly rally going on, so you don't just feel like your all alone, keep things small, remember technique is far more important than height etc.

Bobbing radio on can also help, music and do wonders when your riding and really boost your confidence.