First time jumping!

[Amieandread]

Can anyone give me some tips in how to control a headstrong (and strong in general!) pony that LOVES jumping?
I jumped him for the first time Sunday and he went crazy!! (Galloping around the school, slamming on the anchors and ignoring my aids lol) his owners (I loan) were brilliant and supportive at telling me what to do, but it's be great to have some idea for next time!
I've been riding a year so am not the most experienced rider, and if I'm perfectly honest he's not an ideal 'riding school pony' (I've learnt to sit a buck pretty well- not nasty ones though, just excitable!)
Thanks in advance

 

[katpower]

It is possible that a horse that reacts that way to jumping doesn't actually love it, but is in pain or afraid - maybe check for soreness, signs of anxiety etc.
Otherwise, starting with poles, small crosses etc, walk/trot over obstacle, then halt. Or ride a 10 m circle, or a figure 8. A lot of riders focus on the jump, not what happens on the other side - and the horse takes advantage and fangs off - you need to be very clear about what you want to happen on the other side of the jump, and stay in control of the situation.

 

[Herts05]

Would suggest you get an experienced instructor who can give you lessons (and maybe jump him initially. Sounds like he needs some schooling in order to help you along if you are not experienced. In addition, the usual points about checking saddle and tack apply. Some horses will attempt to "run away" from pain or discomfort.

 

[Amieandread]

Thanks guys
He's 18 and has had back/saddle etc check many times over the years- bucking has been put down to a vice when excited and he's definitely a cross country boy- he'll jump anything and really excels at it (unlike me!)
Luckily I have a friend who is a very experienced BHS Instructor and is happy to teach me, it's just finding the time. She says it's just him and being used to getting away with it (previous loaner didn't do much with him) and she schools him every so often for me.
He is as good as gold doing everything else, I hack him out alone and he looks after me- it's just the jumping was a bit of a shock! X

 

[EatSleepRide]

First check that the horse does love jumping and that he's not in pain.
If he really is just excitable then try walking and trotting over poles. Then put up a cross pole and trot over it carefully. It's best not to let him canter until he knows you're boss. Don't go into a really huge jumping position over the jump, a little 'pop' is fine. Also, ride to the jump as you would do, but then ride OVER the jump too, don't drop all aids because you're in the air.

 

[Amieandread]

That's exactly what my friend is planning for our next lesson lol- she's jumped him before and says it's all his manners nothing more serious. She did say it would take a lot of work to break his bad habits tho
He listens to me wonderfully just cantering in the school- he used to take off and buck but I did a lot a research about half halts and using the seat to control him instead of the reins and it's paid dividends! X

 

[9tails]

Welcome to my world. Jumping is so exciting and everything must be cleared with feet to spare. I got her listening with grids at first, trotting into a line of bounces with one canter stride to a small cross at the end, then progressed to small crosspole doubles with a related distance. I don't use trotting or canter poles as she jumps all poles and the jumps are so small that she can clear them without me aiding her into them.

The important thing is your position, you need to be ready for any eventuality so I would suggest popping your bum back a little but make sure your legs are forward. Think of leaning forward on a stool with your back straight and head up. Don't look down at the jumps, look at the horizon. You shouldn't be able to get ahead of the motion but you also should be able to give with your hands over the fences.