Competition napping/confidence issues

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Bethany2202

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I've had my horse for 18 months now, he is 7 y/o and he's coming on nicely in all areas, but recently I have had an issue with jumping. He will be fine if we are schooling with other horses, but when it comes to competing he refuses to go forward, and sometimes wont jump. I don't know how to solve this issue, any ideas or advice please?
 
Why not try a pairs hunter-trial class, another horse may encourage him to go forward, or take him cross country schooling with a friend.
 
If he's jumping well when there are other horses around why not try schooling him on his own? If he's in his home environment (where you normally school with others) he may be more confident and forward going than when you're at a competition.
After testing this theory and gaining his confidence at home, try taking him to some small shows where he can see other horses and doesn't feel alone.
It may be simply that he feels less confident because he's 'out there alone'. He's only 7 after all and you say he's 'coming along' so it sounds as though he hasn't done much yet.

I hope this makes sense!
 
Its very difficult when this happens in the ring and can soon become a habit.

Try to think where it usually happens; going away from the collection ring/past the entrance for instance, and try to be ready for it, carry a whip in the hand he is likely to nap to. If he naps before jumping a fence, try approaching on the other rein, again carrying a whip in the hand he is going to nap to. Sometimes its just a case of being able to react quickly to the situation and often a "growl" from you at the right time will be enough.

If the situation doesn't improve, you might have to resort to getting a reputable trainer to take him in the ring a couple of times and then start off with clear round classes to build you both up again.

As rossiroo mentioned; pairs is always good for getting horses to go forward and enjoy themselves again, a lot of shows have pairs show jumping too.
Good luck.
 
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