Confidence over XC jumps... little help?

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Lill

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Neither me nor Blue have ever jumped any cross country jumps before (bar two 2ft3 jumps on sponsored ride the other week) and his first reaction at seeing a jump in a field was actually quite funny it was a jump of straw bales and it took me 10 mins of him shying away from it before he was persuaded to get close enough to sniff it and then realise it was only straw
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Think it was possibly cos he's never seen jumps like that in a field before.

I am not very confident over cross country jumps and i don't know whether he will be either...
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What is the best move forwards with this?

We're thinking of going hunting this year not sure if you HAVE to jump with Ashford Valley or if its optional or whether it would help us?

I think with me its more that they are solid fences and won't budge if i fall on them unlike showjumps. I know Blue is probably capable as he is quite happy round a 3ft/95cm course...
 
Think I would find a very sensible horse to go with and ask him to follow over the jumps.
Even if you're not feeling confident, you must make him think you are as if he senses your hesitation he will do the same.
So commit yourself and really go for positive approach! Once he starts jumping them I'm sure you'll gain more confidence.
Good luck!
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Be confident, sit back, look up and don't drop your contact. Try popping small ones from trot or even from walk first.
 
why not try doing a bit of Jump cross first?? that way he can get used to seeing the fences in the fields and they still fall over?
 
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