Bit of a dilemma

PaddyMonty

PaddyMonty

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For those that dont know his history, Otto was labelled too dangerous to jump by 3 seperate instructors due to really bad rushing in to a fence then charging off out of control after.
I started working with him in september. Prior to that he had not jumped a course of fences. Winthin a few weeks I'd managed to get a certain degree of control jumping but the rush was always there albeit contained.
Vid of early round
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7Fxcl7LD_E
A few weeks ago i put him in a hackamore as he has issues with his mouth. Last week the unthinkable happened, I was able to take him down a simple grid (in the indoor) without any contact and not a rush in sight.
Decided on saturday to see if this would work over a single fence in the outdoor. For the entire session I never had a contact, reins at buckle. He stayed in a perfect rythm, sorted himself out at the fence and cantered away in the same rythm. NEVER thought this would be possible with this horse.
So here's the dilemma. BSJA comp on at yard this sunday which I had planned to enter (has been jumping BSJA) but given this unexpected development I'm wondering if I should give it a miss and develop his new found calm approachfor a month or two.
If I do the comp I will have to take a contact which will fire him up a bit and possibly undo the progress made recently.
Thoughts?
Really not sure which way to go.
 
I would wait, its only the start of the year, so there will be plenty of chances to compete. Give yourself a chance to develop this calm approach, and maybe enter a few local shows to see how it goes. I know it will be frustrationg (sp) to wait, but it will be worth it in the long run.

Glad to hear that you have sort it out and are hetting somewhere with him.

Never rush a horse.
 
Thats sort of what I'm thinking but......
If you knew it was 90% certain he would do double clears and be in the money. Most likely quailify for Am.second round and be able to get the 4 double clears BN before april would you still not compete him? Already has one so will have to start again if I stop competeing now.
confused.gif
 
You've been patient with your horse & started to sort him out & I think you should continue your work on keeping him steady. As has already been posted there are BSJA shows all year so I wouldn't be in a hurry to go to this one.

You've worked well, so many people just jump a horse & ignore the value of good flatwork. You obviously know the value & are reaping the rewards of your hard work now. Keep at it for another couple of months getting him really steady & working well from behind & then go & have a great time jumping.
smile.gif
 
He sounds so like my mare! I have just swapped to a hackamore after years of trying to find something she is comfortable in, I now have such a happy horse (when out hacking). She is so relaxed and really stretches out, something that never used to happen when bitted. We haven't jumped yet as I don't have anywhere to practise but your story has given me a ray of hope! With a bit of luck she will realise she doesn't have to fly everywhere full tilt and poke her nose coming into fences, her paces are already calmer when just hacking. Good luck and I hope your horse keeps on improving!
 
You've got until the end of August to qualify for the Amateurs. If he was mine I wouldn't worry about BN DCs as it is pointless entering the 2nd rounds anyway now since they changed the qualifying numbers.
 
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