Exercises for horses that rush fences

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suzi

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Ok, new horse has been here a week and I'm starting to school him.

He's done a bit of BSJA but has a habit of rushing at his fences. It's something that the people I bought him from have been working on.

He's quite a cheeky chap and is definitely testing me out as his new owner to see what he can get away with.

I've jumped him a couple of times at home and he's getting quite cross on the approach to a fence if I try and control his speed and stop him lengthening. He's clever with his legs so sorts himself out when we get to the fence but is really objecting to even a light contact on the approach.

I've been trying circles before we approach, not coming in with too long a run up and will try jumping on angles etc rather than just straight down a line to see if that helps.

Just wondered if any one had any other suggestions I could try?

I'm also not sure if I should school him more or less often over fences, whether perhaps he'd be better if we did it less often??
 
Hi

I thought that approaching the fence and then circling away at the last moment was good, so they don't know when they are going to jump? Apologies if you have done that!
 
Lots and lots of polework! Needs to go back a bit and establish the basics. Amazing how many people jump before their horse can canter a circle! My instructor has so many polework exercises up her sleeve, and it really helps to have someone on the ground to put out the poles and give you lots of ideas and advice. Be patient, and good luck!
 
Good idea. I think I'm going to try putting poles / small fences up and then schooling around them with the odd jump thrown in when he's settled.

Circling away also sounds like it might work. I'm got my instructor booked for some grid work too.

Apparently he's better at competitions that at home so I'm taking him to clear round SJ in 2 weeks time which will give me an idea of how he behaves there.

It's getting him out of the habit (the girl who SJ'd him almost encouraged him to go too fast) and he's also testing me out a bit so I want to nip it in the bud!
 
clairebearnz said:
Placing poles both before and after a jump helped my gelding slow down and think, instead of his usual flying leaps.
Click to expand...

This was going to be my suggestion placing pole after the fence works a treat and also asking for Halt in a straight line before and after the fence..pat when you get it
 
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