Had jumping issues this morning (my fault)

[dibbin]

I went down to the arena this morning and built a couple of little jumps (about 60-70cms), since we haven't jumped for ages and our yard has weekly jumping nights in the summer so I figured we better get practicing! But ... I seem to have totally lost my nerve went round them OKish in trot - except the double, because I backed off it so much he stumbled over the first part then stopped - but couldn't do it in canter. Managed to canter into a TINY x-pole, but that was it.

I used to fall off jumping a lot when I first got Dylan, because he's quite keen and forward but will stop if you don't keep your leg on. I figured this out, and haven't come off over jumps for a long time. I think because I haven't jumped for a long time is why I'm having problems now I used to love it, too, and he's a a fab little jumper, I really feel like I let him down today.

And to cap it all off, he spooked, I nearly came off to one side but my stirrup saved me ... until the tread popped out and my ankle got wrenched sideways, so I'm now crippled as well, but at least I didn't (quite) fall off lol.

 

[Barneykins]

OH God, I know how you feel. You're just out of practise, and a bit rusty. Keep at it, keep the jumps small and you will quickly get your confidence back. I'd like to know why jumping (well) is soo damn hard lol

 

[Nocturnal]

Are you able to have a few lessons at your yard? Having an instructor on hand can do wonders for confidence

 

[4leggedfurries]

I know how you feel, i'm a bit apprehensive of jumping D in the next couple of weeks as I havent jumped at all this year and didnt really jump much in the last half of last year due to injury and bad weather. I think tbh I'm just going start with some trotting poles then some very small x poles. I've actually found an instructor that will come out to me now, so will wait until lessons before I start jumping properly and getting my confidence up enough to jump on my own.

 

[dibbin]

Thanks people good to know I'm not the only one.

 

[Brandy]

I know exactly how you feel, I always start off by trotting into jumps and even at a show I trot to the first jump!! (as you can tell, I don't jump big at all!)

I used to keep it to trot all the time but am gradually gaining confidence and once we have done them in trot a couple of times I will do them in canter, but in a way where we trot to one jump and if we canter away and keep going I will go to the next jump in canter. If he drops into trot on a corner then we trot.

I don't care really as I've come a long way from going over poles on the floor so am happy at our (slow) progression.

If I had a long break though I am sure I'd go back a fwe steps.

I would keep the jumps nice and small and keep doing them in trot and your confidence will come flooding back.

 

[dibbin]

First yard jumping night is next week, so I'm going to do a (small) clear round but keep out of the actual classes this time at least it's in the big arena, rather than the field.

I felt so guilty after riding the other day, he's such an honest little horse, and I know as long as I keep my leg on he won't refuse, but I just seemed to be panicking for no reason especially if I have quite a long run into a jump, it gives me too long to think about it. Aagh ... back to trotting and cantering over poles for a while, methinks.