jumping help needed!

[Finns]

Am having confidence issues when jumping Finn - he's a complete schoolmaster (been there got the t-shirt type) and so I know it's all my fault. Basically we're okay up to about 2 foot 3 but anything bigger (or even true parallels at that height) than that and I start to wobble confidence wise. (Which then means that I don't ride him forwards, which means that he will either run out because he can't jump from that speed or we climb over it as best he can). I'm really worried that my ineffectual riding could impact on his confidence and enthusiam for jumping. We have lessons once a week with a fab instructor, but I seem to have hit a brick wall progress wise. (and unfortunately, as he has done a fair bit of jumping Finn does regard 2 foot 3 as a bit small after a while and starts to not bother jumping them cleanly). Does anyone have any hints/exercises which have helped them? Thanks!!

 

[lisan]

Gridwork and placing poles? Then you know you are on the right stride to try a little higher. I also used to take May out at least one a week, do loads of 75cm comps until they started to feel small, then move up a class. Oh, and I always find it easier if I have someone shouting at me too!!

 

[valentine]

hi,
just put a cross pole up and keep jumping it on a 20 meter circle until u can see a perfect stide just take it slow keep practising as you will both loss the confidence in each other! go out and do as much as you can 2ft 3 until you both feel 100% confident . ground poles will help. trust your horse try not to alter him to much if has been there and done it. wishing you luck and success

 

[samp]

I agree do lots of gridworks, get someone to put the fences up for you, so you can't tell the size etc

 

[eohippus]

Try to focus on your approach and pace rather than the jump itself.
When doing grids or practise, do not look at the jump look past it to where you are going to go from after, and think about your balance and pace and straightness on the way in. If your horse can jump all you need to be thinking about is how to get it there and where to go after. hope that makes sense.
Regards
Dawn