Jumping issue

[nic85]

I had posted this in CR but after 85 views no replies so I thought Id try my luck in here!!

A bit about me.....
Now Ive not had an actual lesson for about 4 years but have only had a year off from riding in all that time due to pregnancy and lack of horses!!

my problem with Jumping is this..I stare at the fence, I know that sounds simple but I freeze about a stride out and drop the poor horse infront of the fence then its a mad scramble over. I had a bad fall xc along time ago now but its since then...also being out of practice doesnt help (I improve the more I do it) But even jumping more often I still will 'miss' some fences beacuse of my staring....

Does anyone have any ideas as to what I can do to stop me freezing and making such a hash of it??

(Im trying to improve as ive got the oppotunity to do a clear round hunter trial in Oct and I want to get it right!! Also when ive got the funds for my own horse I have the eventing bug )

Sorry for rambling and if this make NO sense...

 

[jumpingjack]

Have you tried looking at something the other side of the fence and keeping focussed on it

 

[piebaldsparkle]

Try counting strides (out loud), if you are speaking, you have to breathe, thus you are less likely to freeze!!!

 

[GermanyJo]

both the above I would agree to , remember it is the horses job to jump the fence, yours is only to get there in balance and straight, as jumping jack says, think about your line, the rhythm (Piebald sparkles tip) and look slightly ahead of the fence to where you will be riding. Unless you are jumping big fences, you should not have to worry to much about the take off point, and remember.. you can only be max half a stride out, and your horse can normally sort that one out for himself

 

[nic85]

Thanks everyone!!

I have tried to speak out loud even sing a rhyme to distract me.....

I think i just need to practice and will look beyond the fence..Im not so bad jumping a course but then Im looking for the next fence. Will deffinately work on it!! Thanks