Dropping into fences??

[taraclarebrown]

I have a 15.3hh Cob and he LOVES jumping. I have been confident at jumping on hhim for about 2 years now jumoing him with no problems and popping over 2ft 9" with ease. We have moved to a new livery yard recently where they have a brilliant X country course for me to use... the only problem is that in the school when i jump he rushes a few strides out from the jump then drops hims <font color="blue"> </font> self so close that he has to almost stumble over it to clear it! Im worried that if i take him on the X country and he does this at solid fences it will injur him! Is there and training exersises i can do with him to help him pick him self up a bit.

 

[jillygem]

Perhaps try doing some grid work and even add in a few bounces. He wont be able to drop himself into them so easily. Have you also had his back checked? My pony used to do that, turned out he had a sore back and was easily fixed! Good luck

 

[Judziah]

If there's no physical problem (back, saddle etc) then go back a few steps...reduce fence size so if he gets it wrong, he won't scare himself, placing poles will help him take off in the right place and stop him losing confidence, I would also try using guide rails from the centre of the fence (on the rail itself) out in an inverted V...if that makes sense? It encourages the horse to take off further away and lift himself correctly!

 

[taraclarebrown]

Thanks for your help. Ill try some grid work today!