Getting a young naughty horse back into jumping for show ?

[Molly'sMama]

We have been going amazingly on the flat and over poles ,shes lost weight, her saddles fitting well etc so I feel confident to start jumping her again . I really hope to enter a 1ft SJ class at Mk this time next week so would appreciate some tips on how to make sure our practices go well.

Shes notorious for stopping and spooking but I've had lessons and she even went over the terrifying logs out on hacks . I've been trying to hack her out regularly also.

Sooo.. shes going well, but I just dont want to try her over a jump and undo it all. I'm nervous that I'll expect her to be good and she will just be the same as ever ( cantering up then dropping her shoulder in on the last stride )

So , tips for schooling this week?
Thank you !

 

[StormyMoments]

work around the jumps for a little while trot up to it as if you are just going up the long side but head towards the jump have them small enough that she can step over it just like a raised pole and then put it up as she goes

walk over it
trot over it
canter over it
if she stops or darts out then start walking at it again she'll get there good luck!

 

[Happy Hunter]

I can understand and really admire your enthusiasm, but getting them going nicely at home is going to take more than a week - Let alone an exciting/spooky comp! why the rush?

I would say take off the pressure, relax, let the horse have fun and 'want' to jump for pleasure! - then do some clear rounds or some fun things...

You would be surprised how quickly things move along with young horses, take your eye off the ball for a month or so and they progress in leaps and bounds!!!

 

[123Jump!]

I can understand and really admire your enthusiasm, but getting them going nicely at home is going to take more than a week - Let alone an exciting/spooky comp! why the rush?

I would say take off the pressure, relax, let the horse have fun and 'want' to jump for pleasure! - then do some clear rounds or some fun things...

You would be surprised how quickly things move along with young horses, take your eye off the ball for a month or so and they progress in leaps and bounds!!!

^^ This!!! A week of training won't be enough, you'll only get your hopes up and then feel really let down.

 

[be positive]

If you do a little at a time you should be able to gain confidence and build up to do a 1 ft course. I would have someone with you to put the poles up as you need them, start with poles on the ground between wings and work over and round them, gradually put them up, stay in trot, she can easily do the height out of a good trot and you will have more time to keep her straight.
Vary the position of the poles/jumps each time so she has to listen to you and does not just do it because they are always the same.
If it goes a bit wrong take a step back and build up again, a horse can walk over a fence if it is small enough so try not to turn away as this will encourage her to stop.
Stay calm and dont push her too much if she is not ready do not go to the show, there will be another day.

 

[Molly'sMama]

^^ This!!! A week of training won't be enough, you'll only get your hopes up and then feel really let down.

I understand this, but this mare is not normal, in fact the last sj thing we went to was the one place she didnt refuse any and i have a feeling part of the problem is she associates our school with pain as the sand used to blow away with lots of stones.

She has been to many many shows before, its not the atmosphere etc its the physical jumping bit