eventing showjumping

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nickyb

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heres the senario.......practise showjumping in between events, on a surface and on grass, always build a nice big course, slighlty bigger than required at novice level, always jumps out of his skin occasionally will have a pole down. lets me adjust / check him always get a good stride. out at event i ride him the same, ok i understand that yes i am slighlty nervous and he will prob be the same, i get him to the fences at the right stride and he taps poles out all over the place. i haven't had a clear round all season! what am i doing wrong, some times i despair of him! any help gratfully received.
 
i've been jumping bigger courses at home 1.15 and a couple at 1.20 and yes he jumps in the same boots. like i say jumping at home he's good, it's in the ring it goes pear shape.
 
have you had someone video you? are you keeping to the same rhythm when competing? it's very easy to speed up cos of adrenalin and not notice it. if he's having them in front, i'd do lots of gridwork with high X poles, V fences etc, bounces, improve his bascule and his carefulness in front, and see if that paid off. if you've already done this, sorry!
 
Personally I wouldn't be wacking the jumps up at home. If anything, Id be cutting out the jumping or seriously cutting down the amount you do at home. I have one competing at Novice BE and I never ever jump him at home (not even a X pole!) - he ONLY jumps at competitions or in my monthly SJ lesson. I find it keeps them far more enthusiastic, yes they can be a tad more spooky but it makes them pick their feet up!

As you say, the problem isn't at home so why bother trying at home?! I'd try to hire a local SJ course, say after a BSJA competition and go round that a few times to get some no-pressure practice in. Otherwise, just do more SJ competitions over the winter.
 
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