jumping advice. Horse wont jump

[kafue]

This is a post for my friend. She and her horse had a pretty bad cross country experience at the beginning of the summer. They havent jumped since. Now her horse refuses EVERYTHING. Back and teeth checked. Any ideas to get them back in the arena.

 

[tasteofchristmaschaos]

Go back to the beginning - start with trotting poles, then small x-poles etc. Sounds like the horse is scared - it may take a long time to restore their confidence.

 

[diggerbez]

sounds like he (and probably her) have had a bad scare and he is understandably frightened of jumping if something bad happened last time. what is he like over poles on the floor? i'd start with walking over them...but TBH i think i'd enlist the help of a BSJA coach or a good RI for this one....

 

[katie_and_toto]

Has the saddle been checked?

I would say, put poles on the ground out in the arena, and just ride round them, not over them. After a few sessions of that, do the same and near the end of the session, quietly ride over one in exactly the same rhythm. Lots of praise if the horse goes over the pole, and always finish on a good note. Later, progress to riding with teeny jumps in the arena, and eventually pop over one. Gradually build up, and if she has a blip or scare, take it right back to basics and build confidence again

Maybe she is overfaced by scarey coloured poles, do you have anything rustic or plain? Good luck!

 

[kafue]

She will go over trotting poles, but not near a fence. Think your are all right with the baby steps. just needed to make sure we were doing things right. May try some raised trotting poles and see how we get on. x

 

[breezing]

Try having a lead horse and start with poles and gradually get her confidence back