Charging at fences

[horses99]

Mare has become increasingly ‘excited’ when jumping she’s ok in the flat but forward going then once warmed up as today I went to jump a simple gymnastic line aimed at distances and stopping rushing. In trot after a few times she was ok but in canter she would just be super bouncy and not travel no matter how calmly I sat or held her together. When I did put a fence up although she never touched it she almost leaped over it as if it was massive. At one point she almost fell over because she wasn’t calm and controlled and over a turn she was unbalanced. I’m considering cutting her feed now the grass is up more but otherwise I don’t know what to do. She felt almost dangerous to jump today and I wouldn’t want to repeat it! It is on grass as it’s all I have but fairly flat just hard as is the time of year. Any advice would be appreciated. No nasty comments please as will just be ignored just want some genuine advice, and she has had teeth back etc done and is in good fitness/ health

 

[ycbm]

If this is new behaviour, then rushing fences is often a sign of hock pain.

 

[Shay]

You need to rule out pain. But the other thing that jumped (no pun intended) out to me was your comment about "holding her together". If she doesn't have enough freedom for her head and neck she may rush and balloon to save herself. The more the horse tries to protect itself the harder the rider holds and it becomes a vicious cycle.

A good instructor would help massively. They will be able to see what is happening on the ground.