ester
Not slacking multitasking
Doesn't anyone just go to school 5 days a week any more lol!!!!!! Its not fair, I had to for years!!!!
Maybe that's the problem with yoof today....
lol I did 5.5... thats where it all went wrong
horse people that KNOW! what there talking about please?
- Thread starter ShowJumperBeckii
- Start date
lol I did 5.5... thats where it all went wrong
Puppy
Well-Known Member
galaxy
Well-Known Member
Some people did offer good advice though and we were totally ignored...
martlin
Well-Known Member
Calm down, dearOi I have that bit, my mare goes really nicely in it (runs and hides) lol
I'm actually a fan of Mikmars, they suit some horses very well
Just found something to ''look'' the part as the bit bank's specialist showjumping bit section looked way to mild to make my point
Sol
Well-Known Member
I do find it quite funny that you say she wont stop, as I've seen the vid you posted of her jumping the course and she didn't look seriously whizzy? Then again, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdzob7bvUFM that's my lad a year ago nearly, doesn't look as fast as he felt! But at the time, although we jumped 3'6 one day (don't ask!) he'd never have gotten round bigger courses! We worked on flatwork a lot - go look at some of the other vids on my yt account if you want to see just how much - and I actually didn't jump at all other than the odd pop for months, then came back to it, starting off with my instructor.
Still on 2 lessons a week we're getting the hang of it! It's a slow process, but I'd rather go slowly and be able to calmly pop around 2'9/3ft courses (all I really ever feel the need to do with Dan!) than be like a girl who competes regularly at our yard - still getting refusals in the 2ft class because she can't control her horses :/ We've been working almost solidly on nothing over 2'6 for about 2 months now and yesterday I got to do my first bit of 'intermediate training' as my instructor called it!
How did we start??? We demolished the wall! Answer to that??
MOAR FLATWORK!!
There is a time where loving dressage really, really has it's benefits
- and I actually didn't jump at all other than the odd pop for months, then came back to it, starting off with my instructor.Still on 2 lessons a week we're getting the hang of it! It's a slow process, but I'd rather go slowly and be able to calmly pop around 2'9/3ft courses (all I really ever feel the need to do with Dan!) than be like a girl who competes regularly at our yard - still getting refusals in the 2ft class because she can't control her horses :/ We've been working almost solidly on nothing over 2'6 for about 2 months now and yesterday I got to do my first bit of 'intermediate training' as my instructor called it!
How did we start??? We demolished the wall!
Answer to that??MOAR FLATWORK!!
There is a time where loving dressage really, really has it's benefits
nikicb
Well-Known Member
Both real, have used both too
Thanks Weezy! I had enough derogatory comments when I put my Sec A in a Wilkie bit (which I have to say is brilliant and Mills now has a fab top line (all muscle, none of the fat which he had when we first got him) and works in an outline with the smallest of riders). Must confess though to being a regular user of a double with my girl (but have been using it for years and very carefully). I'm always wary of overbitting after selling my first pony (snaffle mouthed, and used for RDA). New owners stuck him in a pelham and he flipped, children bucked off everywhere, broken arms, nasty comments from new owners etc. etc. I guess I will just try everything else first.
ShowJumperBeckii
Well-Known Member
iv said 100 times IV TAKEN THERE ADVICE!!
Sol
Well-Known Member
Then chill out about it?
It's a forum... can't expect people not to use it like one...
It's a forum... can't expect people not to use it like one...
KingCharles
Well-Known Member
There is more Than using a bit when stopping and controling a horse. You need to learn to use your seat and to slow your horses paces with your seat not your hands. If your horse throws its head and tanks then using a pelham can actually make the problem worse. Many horses resist the poll action of the pelham and throw there heads up even more, Or they go the other way and over bend.
If you learn to use your seat and leg to control and steer your horse, you will find that you wont need a stronger bit.
Sometimes horses rush when jumping due to anxiety, its not always excitment. If you jab them in the mouth, or land heavy on there backs. the anticipation of this can make them rush.
You also need very careful hands when you ride in a pelham, many people ride with too much curb. If your horse is calm and senserble when schooling, and doing pole work. Then ask your self what changes when you jump. Do you tense up? ride differently?
How does your horse go for your intructor?
If you learn to use your seat and leg to control and steer your horse, you will find that you wont need a stronger bit.
Sometimes horses rush when jumping due to anxiety, its not always excitment. If you jab them in the mouth, or land heavy on there backs. the anticipation of this can make them rush.
You also need very careful hands when you ride in a pelham, many people ride with too much curb. If your horse is calm and senserble when schooling, and doing pole work. Then ask your self what changes when you jump. Do you tense up? ride differently?
How does your horse go for your intructor?
ShowJumperBeckii
Well-Known Member
oo i see your point theree
well um in lessons shes foward going and at shows its stupid and soo embassing how im red in the face trying to stop and shes galloping around like a looney :/
well um in lessons shes foward going and at shows its stupid and soo embassing how im red in the face trying to stop and shes galloping around like a looney :/
martlin
Well-Known Member
BSJAShowjumper123 (I think I got the name right), I won't be getting into listing my credentials on here, you will just have to take my word for it that I KNOW what I'm talking about:
If you want to improve your jumping and progress you need to sort few things on the flat first
- learn to support your horse with your leg at all times, this is VERY important especially with the wizzy ones as more often than not they rush the fences as they are unsure/afraid of them. They need the confidence and reassurance from your leg, and I don't mean kicking them on.
- learn to ride your turns properly without just shoving your horse round corners, again your leg is vital here, try to steer with your leg, look where you are going and the rest of your body will follow, make the outside rein push the horse into a turn rather than the inside one pulling it.
- make sure your transitions and canter are smooth, don't just set off like a bat out of hell
- practice over poles on the ground, train your eye in. I'm not a fan of exact placing of horses, but it is advisable to avoid kicking on when you are coming to the jump on a short stride and vice versa, thus you need to see the distance
As to the bit - I would stick with snaffle, but by all means try different ones on the flat - there are hundreds of different types, metal combinations, sizes etc - find one that your horse goes well in, without evasion and seeking contact.
Hope that helps.
If you want to improve your jumping and progress you need to sort few things on the flat first
- learn to support your horse with your leg at all times, this is VERY important especially with the wizzy ones as more often than not they rush the fences as they are unsure/afraid of them. They need the confidence and reassurance from your leg, and I don't mean kicking them on.
- learn to ride your turns properly without just shoving your horse round corners, again your leg is vital here, try to steer with your leg, look where you are going and the rest of your body will follow, make the outside rein push the horse into a turn rather than the inside one pulling it.
- make sure your transitions and canter are smooth, don't just set off like a bat out of hell
- practice over poles on the ground, train your eye in. I'm not a fan of exact placing of horses, but it is advisable to avoid kicking on when you are coming to the jump on a short stride and vice versa, thus you need to see the distance
As to the bit - I would stick with snaffle, but by all means try different ones on the flat - there are hundreds of different types, metal combinations, sizes etc - find one that your horse goes well in, without evasion and seeking contact.
Hope that helps.
daydreambeliever
Well-Known Member
In BSJAsj123 defence if her 15th birthday is in the next month or two, then she will be in year 10 (thats the 4th year for us oldies ) and they are sitting some parts of their GCSE's. Hope they are going well for you.
On the riding front i would say it would be best to find a good flatwork instructor and get back to basics, forget about stronger bits/gadgets and get your horse relaxed and listening to you. Until you can get your horse listening and going in a steady rhythm you are not going to be able to successfully compete at the levels you mentioned in your other posts, and your problems may even get worse.
) and they are sitting some parts of their GCSE's. Hope they are going well for you.On the riding front i would say it would be best to find a good flatwork instructor and get back to basics, forget about stronger bits/gadgets and get your horse relaxed and listening to you. Until you can get your horse listening and going in a steady rhythm you are not going to be able to successfully compete at the levels you mentioned in your other posts, and your problems may even get worse.
ShowJumperBeckii
Well-Known Member
ahh thanks alot that really helped xx
that really helped xx
MissSBird
Well-Known Member
I won't repeat what others have said to you over and over, but a little suggestion. Pick up a copy of the book 101 Jumping Exercises. It has some brilliant suggestions for starting with basic polework and working upwards through grids and jumps, and explains what you want to achieve from the different exercises. In my mind your mare is either overly excited or frightened, and the large variety of exercises will either teach her to calm down and chill about poles, or build up her courage about them.
ShowJumperBeckii
Well-Known Member
aha thanks alot
ahh ill tryyy x
ahh ill tryyy
xberry
Well-Known Member
Calm down, dear
I'm actually a fan of Mikmars, they suit some horses very well
Just found something to ''look'' the part as the bit bank's specialist showjumping bit section looked way to mild to make my point
, my horse loves the mikmar mouth piece, I really am thinking about buying the snaffle version but then that puts my dressage ideas out the window x.JessPickle
Well-Known Member
Doesn't anyone just go to school 5 days a week any more lol!!!!!! Its not fair, I had to for years!!!!
Maybe that's the problem with yoof today....
I know I agree, I am 20 so wasnt in school that long ago, and I had it 5 days a week 8:30-4:00! haha
brighteyes
Pooh-Bah
Dear Lord - I wasn't expecting this thread. I see a potentially nice horse going very quickly and irretrievably down hill to ruin. Ours wasn't ever ridden badly, which might be the difference between her and yours, and all the difference in the outcome.
Who, exactly, is helping you with her?
Tell you what, send her to us. We'll sort her flatwork. Get your exams done then join us over the hols and we'll teach you how to ride properly, then how to ride her. Forgive me for having little faith in your ability to process good advice and carry it out successfully.
Who, exactly, is helping you with her?
Tell you what, send her to us. We'll sort her flatwork. Get your exams done then join us over the hols and we'll teach you how to ride properly, then how to ride her. Forgive me for having little faith in your ability to process good advice and carry it out successfully.
outandabout
Well-Known Member
I can process good advice and follow it successfully (and write in coherent English!), have me instead..!
martlin
Well-Known Member
Eriskayowner
Well-Known Member
How is a jointed pelham only strong when you need it? I'm confused :S
OP I'm not going to write reams as 99% of people who have posted DO know what they're talking about and have told you that schooling your horse is the only sensible way forward.
Eriskayowner
Well-Known Member
yes im having lessons with a showjumper and an eventer atm
i ask the question for a reason!
i was told to try somethink stronger BY MY INSTUSTOR!!!
I think a change of instruCtor, and English teacher and a dictionary, but not a Dutch gag (or pelham as you call it) would stand you in good stead.
Spudlet
Well-Known Member
Geoff Billington says you want a canter that bounces like a rubber ball (I think his analogy may have been more closely related to Jordan in actual fact, mind you ), so you can lengthen and shorten the stride as you need. In his demo he kept jumping the same double with a different number of strides - he went as high as ten strides and got as low as two or three (it was a few years back so can't exactly remember). That's the kind of flexibility to aim for.
However, you won't get that without lots and lots of flatwork I'm afraid. Also, you want to achieve it with the mildest bit you can manage, and learn to use weight and leg aids as others have said rather than going with a stronger bit, because that kind of work has to come right through from the back end of the horse, you can't get it just by using your hands. It may be that your horse does need a stronger bit, but first you need to try working on the canter IMO. Even with a stronger bit, you will still need to get that bouncy canter going to have real success.
So my advice would be to find a dressage trainer, who can help to improve your canter, before you go back to the jumping, and really really nail that flatwork
), so you can lengthen and shorten the stride as you need. In his demo he kept jumping the same double with a different number of strides - he went as high as ten strides and got as low as two or three (it was a few years back so can't exactly remember). That's the kind of flexibility to aim for. However, you won't get that without lots and lots of flatwork I'm afraid. Also, you want to achieve it with the mildest bit you can manage, and learn to use weight and leg aids as others have said rather than going with a stronger bit, because that kind of work has to come right through from the back end of the horse, you can't get it just by using your hands. It may be that your horse does need a stronger bit, but first you need to try working on the canter IMO. Even with a stronger bit, you will still need to get that bouncy canter going to have real success.
So my advice would be to find a dressage trainer, who can help to improve your canter, before you go back to the jumping, and really really nail that flatwork
CBFan
Well-Known Member
I agree with the others re more schooling on the flat required and I also agree re change of instructor. Change of bit? possibly. Maybe its the particular mouthpiece or action she doesn't like? Some horses really don't like pressure on the poll and others don't like the nutcracker action of a single jointed bit. I personally wouldn't be looking at a stronger bit necessarily just one with an action more suited to your horse. Perhaps a french link snaffle (nice and soft of the tongue) with cheek pieces (to help with steering). You want your horse soft and relaxed in the mouth - believe it or not it will make her easier to stop. BUT you also need to learn to slow, stop and steer from your seat too. it's not about sitting there kicking and yanking her about her mouth to control her.
I have also had a thought that others have not covered. Given that you have been influenced enough by others to use the same instructor as them, is she also fed the same as your mate's horses? If so, and or she is on mixes and or balancers you might want to review her feeding to something perhaps a little lower in energy and starch.
Good luck with her/
I have also had a thought that others have not covered. Given that you have been influenced enough by others to use the same instructor as them, is she also fed the same as your mate's horses? If so, and or she is on mixes and or balancers you might want to review her feeding to something perhaps a little lower in energy and starch.
Good luck with her/
Winklepoker
Well-Known Member
I have just overcome this with my mare. She was rushing just like yours and lifting her head to the point of no return and just ploughing on through the fence. After 3 weeks lungeing, pole work and schooling to strengthen her back end she has realised that she doesnt have to rush to get it over with because she can now use her muscles to lift over the fence and bascule rather than hollow. I would say get her carrying herself in a nice frame and when you come around to the fence circle away (in plenty of time) until she is not rushing then when you feel she is ready, approach the fence and half halt each stride keeping her balanced and betwen your seat and hand. I hope you find the answer. May mare has been in a happy mouth fulmer since I have had her and I will keep her in this as long as I can.
Good Luck x
Good Luck x
doris2008
Well-Known Member
Geoff Billington says you want a canter that bounces like a rubber ball (I think his analogy may have been more closely related to Jordan in actual fact, mind you
However, you won't get that without lots and lots of flatwork I'm afraid. Also, you want to achieve it with the mildest bit you can manage, and learn to use weight and leg aids as others have said rather than going with a stronger bit, because that kind of work has to come right through from the back end of the horse, you can't get it just by using your hands. It may be that your horse does need a stronger bit, but first you need to try working on the canter IMO. Even with a stronger bit, you will still need to get that bouncy canter going to have real success.
So my advice would be to find a dressage trainer, who can help to improve your canter, before you go back to the jumping, and really really nail that flatwork
I think Geoff B must have got his horses cantering so bouncily that it generally looks like he is about to bounce off!
stencilface
High upon a hillside
martlin
Well-Known Member
Isn't that more to do with Geoff natural stature?!
Mind you, he's quite nimble for his shape
Spudlet
Well-Known Member
Mind you, he's quite nimble for his shape
Best demo I ever went to
Bounce, bounce, bounce.....
reindeerlover
Well-Known Member
Slower?? Nonsense, you want it to go faster so it'll get over the jumps quicker and you get home for tea! I suggest spurs and a big whip (as I have suggested to lots of people recently).