Fear of parallels!

amaia

amaia

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24 July 2013
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Cumbria
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Both me and my horse struggle with parallels and it's becoming a real issue. I am nervous of them and I think she senses that so she stops which just makes me more nervous! Once she has stopped she won't jump the jump and I have to put it down to the tiniest cross to get her over it. We don't have a problem with any other jumps. thanks for any advice!
 
I would suggest some lessons so that fences can be altered and your confidence worked on so a cross pole then adding a back rail to make a spread then changing the cross to a straight lower rail then perhaps back to a cross then making a proper parallel. You need someone you can help you with your mindset whilst giving you the confidence in practice. Good luck.
 
I'm not a competition rider or as good as most people on this section but will follow with interest as I have it even at the 60-75 cm height. I fret about landing him in the middle of one even though they aren't massively wide he's also quite spooky. I have lessons and often we do poles leading into it/ a grid so I'm in the right place by the parallel/ oxer
 
Positive thinking and visualise all the horses that jump every day at home and at shows generally clear parallels with no problem. Have someone else jump your horse and you watch how easy it is for the horse to jump them, they barely have to do more than a big canter stride to get over fences up to around 90cms.

You might also consider seeing a Sports Hypnotherapist, they really can help.
 
I use to be terrified of any kind of spread and my instructor still goes on about what a baby I was with them! Did loads of work with really small (but wide) jumps and only building the back rail, keeping the front fairly small until I got my confidence back. I now make myself glance at the front rail for my distance and then ignore the fence completely, look up beyond the jump and keep my leg on. With a powerful (not fast) enough canter the horse will work it out for itself, just let it do it's job. I know it's easier said than done but leg, leg, leg - if you back off your horse will too.
 
Maclinda said:
I use to be terrified of any kind of spread and my instructor still goes on about what a baby I was with them! Did loads of work with really small (but wide) jumps and only building the back rail, keeping the front fairly small until I got my confidence back. I now make myself glance at the front rail for my distance and then ignore the fence completely, look up beyond the jump and keep my leg on. With a powerful (not fast) enough canter the horse will work it out for itself, just let it do it's job. I know it's easier said than done but leg, leg, leg - if you back off your horse will too.
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I'd be changing instructors if one kept on about how I reacted to a fear situation. Why is that some instructors cannot understand that not everyone is extremely brave. We had a coach at Pony Club that made many children cry, ridiculing their fear of jumping. We had parents take their children to other clubs rather than have her teach them. Fortunately we have managed to get rid of her.

Some people take time to come to grips with things that frighten them. Steady regular jumping will improve confidence for most people. Being gently encouraged to go higher and/or wider when they are ready.
 
Tnavas said:
I'd be changing instructors if one kept on about how I reacted to a fear situation. Why is that some instructors cannot understand that not everyone is extremely brave. We had a coach at Pony Club that made many children cry, ridiculing their fear of jumping. We had parents take their children to other clubs rather than have her teach them. Fortunately we have managed to get rid of her.

Some people take time to come to grips with things that frighten them. Steady regular jumping will improve confidence for most people. Being gently encouraged to go higher and/or wider when they are ready.
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A fair point, but in some situations it can help. My own instructor, who knows me pretty well, definitely mocks my fear of jumping 'big' fences - because he knows it makes me laugh, and makes me more relaxed. He doesn't do that to my friend, because it doesn't suit her.

However, I agree that no instructor should ridicule a rider if it doesn't have a positive effect, and isn't said to achieve a specific aim.
 
Just as an extra thought got the rider.
Mark out where she takes off and lands normally- you will be amazed how wide it is to start with!
 
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