Jumping help please from you wonderful experienced people!

JoBo

JoBo

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I don’t usual post in here because I don’t feel qualified but..................

I know I’m jumping a cob and not an eventer or SJer but I really want to get out and do some trail blazers very soon and really need some CC! So would you kindly have a look at these videos and tell me what you think? Also what do you think of my saddle?

I have had unbelievable trouble trying to find a jumping saddle for Bodey and this is a brand new Fusion saddle fitted yesterday but I just didn’t feel that stable in it, especially as the jumps went up, and they did go up from these videos. Do you think that I need to just wear it in a bit? My SJ trainer hated it but I just can’t find any close contact that fits Bodey and me (short backed horse fat arsed rider).




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I came away really pissed off with myself this afternoon. Bodey tries so hard for me and I just felt all over the place.
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I love your cob, looks like you're gonna have a load of fun.

Why are you particularly looking for a close contact jumping saddle? if you are not comfy in this saddle you shouldn't have it - I'm presuming its on trial. Above all you and the horse need to be comfortable all the time.

You might be better off trying to find a decent GP or event saddle and not limit your options. I evented up to Novice level in a GP, the current trend for specialist jumping saddles is not always the best option.
 
Well this saddle is actually a forward cut GP (designed for hunting). It was my Sjing trainer who wanted me in a close contact (he is a pure out and out SJer). Do you think Bodey looks comfortable jumping in it?
I always thought it was easier to jump in a jumping saddle as that's what they are designed for, but maybe you are right a GP may just be the way to go???

Thanks for your reply.
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Well I’m a member of two and have been on jumping clinics, and do have a SJing trainer (Ray Howe) but will keep having more and more lessons, Bodey is only 5 and I haven’t been done a massive amount of higher jumping yet.
 
I think Bodey looks like the type of horse who would look happy doing anything!

Its pretty difficult to tell what the saddle actually looks like on him but at the end of the day if you don't feel secure, its not the one for you.

I know its incredibly difficult finding a perfect saddle but I think its worth taking your time and not making do.
 
I think he looks lovely and perfectly happy!!! Don't get down about your jumping, it's tricky jumping a youngster and you sound like you are doing all the right things
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I wouldnt worry about what people think, the most important thing is finding something that fits the horse well and that you are comfy in it. Sometimes it does take a couple of sessions in a new saddle to get used to it but i would be worried about feeling insecure. I would have another go in it and see if it starts to improve on for you. Good luck
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First of all, why do you need a CC saddle or even a jumping saddle?? I do everything in my dads 20yo GP and we manage ok. New sadles are a pain though, they are so stiff and slippy!!

CC - first vid, why is he getting you to walk round the corner and fire him in? Doesn't look right at all. He's got a nice little canter, so no need for that IMO.

Can't see much of second vid but 3rd vid looks much better. You look to be getting behind the movement though, make sure you give him his head as he is landing.
 
Blimey, Bodey has matured a lot since I last saw pics of him!!

I think you'd feel most secure in a proper GP. I event in a GP as I dont really get on with close contacts and feel much happier in it.

Obviously he's still a baby so everything is about him strengthening and balancing. He has a bit of a 4 time canter in these vids which shows especially when he stands off a bit and jumps slightly flat. He has wonderful little knees when he pops in close so I'd try to encourage him to get in close as often as possible.

On the corners try to wrap him around your inside leg and really bend him to give you time in front of the fence- there's no shame in trotting if it gets a bit unbalanced.

You'll be fine at trailblazers, he's a really cute jumper
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How about a GP saddle. I have an albion k2 and do everything in it. It's slightly forward cut. I used to have a amerigo vega but find my albion just as comfy.
 
Thanks for your reply SB! Well the idea is to get Bodey to take me to the jump and Bodey can be, ummm, not overly enthusiastic at times. It does work and make him more ‘up for it’. Yeap definitely got behind the movement at time but think that’s because I was being a bit defensive and was slipping around in the saddle.
Wanted a CC/jumping saddle as I want to be a SJer, he, he! No seriously I think a GP may be the only option at this rate.
 
Oh thanks Boss. Yes is only 5 so still has a lot of growing up to do (he is going though the terrible 5’s at the mo). Thanks I will try that, and keep going with my lessons. Going to attempt a 75cm trail blazers at the end of November, and going off to clear round tomorrow.
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I so want us to be SJers!
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I loved the Albion K2 but it didn’t love Bodey, rose at the back. Also tried a Amerigo also a no go, not designed for a wideeeeeeee cobby! Thanks though!
 
I second the Albion k2 someone mentioned. I had one (before it was stolen, dont get me started!!) and it was so so comfy and i felt very very secure in it. I know several people who have evented up the levels in them. Good luck at your trailblazers i think you'll be fine judging by the vids
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Honestly, it's all bollox I think, especially at our level. Just get yourself a nice, comfy saddle that you both like.
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Bodey looks fab and I think you'll do great with some trail blazers!!

Badger and Caffrey hate having lessons, but they are on their toes when they get to a competition, as Bodey will be I'm sure!
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My mums got a K2 jumping saddle too and I love it, bit hard on the bottom though!
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Yeap also tried the Jeffries, also rose at the back when I trotted. I thought about a made to measure but I can’t really afford the £2000 the saddler said I would have to pay for a decent one. I didn’t pay much more than that for Bodey!
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Or maybe a seperate synthetic(sp) jump saddle to compete in like a wintec which are designed for cobs ?
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I had a lot of trouble with my horse.
 
You can have a jumping saddle without it necessarily being close contact...

I loooooove my WOW with jumping flaps - might be worth a try? You would also be able to keep getting it refitted as he matures.

There is nothing worse than trying to jump in a saddle that doesn't suit you. I can commiserate - I had my previous horse's jumping saddle (not a WOW) reflocked to fit my new horse. It fitted him absolutely perfectly...but it tipped me totally out of balance. My lower leg was all over the place. If you're in a saddle that's right for you, you shouldn't have to concentrate so hard on your position & it should come more naturally.
 
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Yeap also tried the Jeffries, also rose at the back when I trotted. I thought about a made to measure but I can’t really afford the £2000 the saddler said I would have to pay for a decent one. I didn’t pay much more than that for Bodey!
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Maybe try a sheepskin half pad when trying the saddles or a front or back riser pad ?
 
Tried the Wintec, also a no go! Bodey may look like a easy fit but I’ve had 3 saddler fitters now and all have said how hard he is to fit. Bl**dy horse why did I have to buy a hard one!!
 
Champion? Worked for my mothers very wide horse but was adjusted by the guy who made it. Can also second the wintec, or go posher with a Bates. You could go on and on really! Close contacts are very over rated and ruin a lot of horses backs in my humble opinion.
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I have a GP, i do everything in it dressage, jumping, xc. . .i love it keeps me really secure (good thing about my gp is i can move the blocks
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His jump reminds me of my lad. . .gets really enthusiastic and bombed he was a bugger. . .only since i have been concentrating on flat work and given myself a kick up the arse has he become more bouncy and now he has a nicer jump and more scope
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Bodey just reminds me of flint hehe. . .so i got to love him hehe

hope you find the right saddle
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PS Let me know when you are next at Lodge farm. . .i might come and meet you with flint
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Yeah i’m having flat work lessons too, every week, just working at Prelim though, I’ll keep having those to help with me jumping. Got a dressage for jumping clinic at FGStud on Saturday that I’m really looking forward too. I’m going to battle on with this saddle just to see if it beds in and I get use to it, also going to call the saddler tomorrow and see what they suggest.

Oh yes lets meet at Lodge Farm, I love it there!
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