Jumping question - horse *looking* at fences

[skewby]

Hi all

I'd really appreciate some advice. My 9yo is pretty green at jumping, all my fault, due to a badly fitting saddle some years ago and me losing my confidence.

I don't mean looking as in, spooking at fences, what I mean is, just before take off he totally backs off, puts his head right down to assess the fence, and then jumps. He is totally reliable, never stops, bold, brave and scopey - but this doesn't make for the most enjoyable jumping experience for either of us!

He does seem to enjoy his jumping, as he gets quite keen and locks on to fences. He really takes me into them, but obviously with the necessary "stop and look" moment it's all a bit bumpy.

I am going totally back to basics now, with gridwork at a low height to improve our confidence and my position. Has anyone else jumped a horse like this, and will it go as he gets more experienced? Any advice at all would be very gratefully received. Thanks in advance

 

[Ziggy_]

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He really takes me into them

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Its a guess but from this comment it sounds like he goes in a bit fast?

Is it possible that he is trying to adjust his stride at the last minute or that its only when he gets up close he realises the fence is a bit scary and has to slow down for a look?

Either way perhaps a bit of grid work, from trot could help. You could try using plain poles to see if its the look of the fence thats putting him off.

He sounds like he will be a fantastic careful jumper so lucky you

sorry if this is totally wrong!!

 

[ajn1610]

My mare is green and likes to check out funny looking fences as you've described, she is much improved now. I just put her to as many different types of fences as I could at a low height so she could pop from a stand still if necessary.
I'd just carry on as you are keeping it small with as much variety as you can. Ride with your hands low so he can look and come in a strong purposeful trot so he can assess the fence without feeling panicked. I find it helpful to really focus on looking up - if I fix my eye on the fence it seems to make my little mare follow my eye line and look even more. He'll soon catch on and get more confident.
Personally I'd rather have a horse like this who thinks and is reading the fence than one who hurls itself at obstacles willy nilly.

 

[skewby]

Thanks gingerhorses, no I don't think you are way off. I think you could be right. He really does take hold and can get a bit flat. Also I find I am useless at seeing a stride these days (I am hoping this will improve, especially with the gridwork) so I tend to just sit tight, kick on, and let him sort himself out. He is very strong, and I know on fun rides when he's absolutely piled down a line of fences I've asked him to stand off for our own safety, and he flies then! But I'm not confident enough at the moment to be able to do that all the time.

He does it XC too, he does it with all fences, but especially small ones.

He is very careful

he's heavy so not the fastest, but we have won (little) stuff because he always, always goes clear

gets me out of trouble when I fluff it all up, too!

Thanks again

 

[skewby]

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Personally I'd rather have a horse like this who thinks and is reading the fence than one who hurls itself at obstacles willy nilly.

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That is an excellent point, and I hadn't thought of it. Thanks. He also never, ever, stops or runs out, unless I am not totally committed and he feels it. My instructor has pointed out that this is a good thing, as you don't necessarily want one who jumps regardless of whether you are with him or not!

Probably explains why he is such a careful, safe jumper, too.

I am doing as you say, and fixing on to the fence. I can make myself look up about two strides out. It needs to be sooner. It's a confidence thing with me and also being green myself with jumping, after a massive break from it (as in time, not bones! Lol!). I shall do as you say, keep at it, with plenty of variety, and slow it down a bit. Thanks.

 

[golddustsara]

I have the same problem at times - esp with planks or the scary fillers. I think the best thing to do is just to do more scary fillers as this seems to have helped for us.

 

[ladyt25]

My horse has always been like this yet he has jumped big SJ courses and still somehow managed to make them look small but it is frustrating as you lose your 'flow' and it makes the round seem like hard work.

What I would suggest to you is to get some lessons. My horse too used to take hold and haul me in and then sort of go "ooh, not sure about that" and would get in close having ahd a 'look'. What i was taught to do is sit up, legs on and to keep hold, do not 'drop' him to the fence as this is what allows him to drop his head. You are probably not aware you are even doing this hence why you need some instruction from a good SJ instructor. It has improved my jumping no end, my horse spooks less (mine IS spooky) and i have a lot more control. Mine too rarely ever stops or knocks anything so does sound v similar.

 

[skewby]

LadyT it is SO nice that you know what I mean.

I do have an excellent instructor (in fact am having a lesson this evening), I asked her about it and she said he's just looking at the fence, all horses do it. But I don't think they do to his extent! You are right, we get under everything and it's not a catleap but it's not far off when we do jump it.

I would be interested to know more about what you mean about "dropping" him to the fence. Do you mean, I'm throwing the reins at him just before it? (I know loads of people who do this and I wouldn't be at all surprised if I were too.)

Also though he does it both loose schooling and on the lunge. Does this make a difference?

Would be really grateful for any more advice you have

thanks.