Confidence building jumping exercises ...

S

spotty_pony

...
Joined
29 July 2005
Messages
12,552
Visit site
Anybody got any suggestions to help me get the mare I have on share back into jumping? (She hasn't jumped properly since last summer, and all we have done recently is popped over a small cross pole from trot on both reins during a few schooling sessions.) She seems to have lost a lot of confidence through jumping though (her back, teeth, saddle etc are all fine) - the other day it took three attempts for her to trot up calmly and pop over the small cross pole and it was under 2ft... I was thinking of maybe placing random poles around the arena and riding over then when schooling but any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
smile.gif
 
Gridwork is very good for improving confidence. Start off with a cross pole and keep adding fences til you have a line of them - you can include bounce strides, 1 and 2 strides, to give her something to think about. If she tries to rush into the fence, keep calm and just circle calmly away - do a few circles until she is trotting nicely, then go to the fence. Try and stay relaxed as this makes a big difference
smile.gif
 
Is she fairly steady and sensible and does she know how to jump correctly?

If so what about going XC schooling with a friend. I have used this method when show jumpers get a bit stale and fed up with the same old same old. Stay with the small fences to begin with and use your friend as a lead. Have a splash in the water, low key, no pressure, lots of fun. Allow your horse to enjoy herself within her comfort zone it might help her to get her confidence back.

Best of luck.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top