Jumping - what should my aims be? (sorry long)

[Jingleballs]

I've been riding for around 4 years now but have never done much jumping basically because I used to have major confidence issues and also the RS where I did most of my riding didn't really teach jumping.

Anyway, I have started doing some jumping on my 6 year old cob and it's obvious we both need a lot of work - he's new to jumping too so he's not a point and jump horse (which would probably be better for me to learn on!)

We are getting some proper jumps at the yard soon so I'll be able to do lots more jumping and I was thinking that this year I should aim for being able to do a small course (say 50 - 60 cm's) in a confident and controlled manner - is that being realistic or am I setting my expectations too low? I have jumped bigger before but it always feels so messy and TBH I'm old enought to have a bit of fear around jumping and don't see the point of getting worked up about something that I don't have to do!

So what do you think? Are there any other adults who have really developed their jumping despite a late start to riding - the only people I can compare myself with at the yard have all been riding since they were about 5 and are miles ahead of me!!!

Thanks

K x

 

[JoBo]

Well I think you should just do what you and your cob feel confident with. I would suggest getting yourself a good jumping instructor (you may find the jumps go up without you even realising). If you cob is a bit wobbly or unsure you need to be concentring on doing some grid work.
It’s not all about size, it’s about rhythm, trust and confidence (and of course about having as much fun as possible).

 

[katie_southwest]

Thats not too low at all, my mare is new to jumping and i havent jumped for 10 years so we are taking it slowly just jumping 18 inches until we both can pop over those confidently and do a little course. Mostly Im just working on our balance and rhythm not too bothered about the height etc

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

To jump successfully the most important thing is to get your groundwork right to start with. You spend 90% of your time on the floor & only 10% in the air. Get good established paces & a steady, bouncy & rythmical canter. Once you have that & his hock coming under him he will have plenty of power & will jump easily & confidently, & so will you.

Don't let height be an issue, your cob doesn't have a tape measure does he? so don't worry. If you measure between ground & his belly he should be able to step over that height without trying so just bare this in mind. Above all enjoy yourself & don't pressure yourself to do things you either aren't ready to do or are unhappy doing..... you'll enjoy it when you get into it!

 

[JenHunt]

I think that if you're happy jumping a few fences at that height now then that's a brilliant target to start with. Don't rush into it, just get there when you are both ready.

once you've got there move the goal posts so you both have a focus for the next step.

ask for help - make sure you have regular lessons (even if they aren't very frequent) with a good instructor - try asking friends who jump a lot, or even ask people at local shows, if they can recommend anyone.

have fun! when it stops being fun for one or both of you, that's the time to have a break from it for a short while so that you don't end up with big issues over it all.

 

[SouthWestWhippet]

It doesn't really matter how high you jump; you are better off jumping a course at 2' (sorry can't do metric) and meeting every fence perfectly, doing neat turns, being in a good position and keeping your horse in a rhythm than pushing yourself out of your comfort zone to jump 3' and feeling as if it is all of a mess.

IMO, most jumping problems come from people setting their goals too high and not getting it right over the lower fences before they move onto the bigger ones. My instructor says that every fence met badly saps confidence from the horse... over 2' this won't matter but the holes will start to show the higher the fences go.

I would just go with what you feel is comfortable and what feels good to you and your horse. Kids want to jump higher and higher and higher... adults have the luxury of knowing that there is more to jumping that "OMG mum I jumped 3'6 today" so I think you are in an excellent position learning as an adult

JMHO