Keeping Control when SJing

[BYR]

We went for a practice jumping a full course the other day after a quite long break and I felt as though Milo was rushing and rather out of control, I had to circle him or stop a few times to regain control before continuing the course. However when I watched back the video he didn't look like he was rushing and looked to be jumping at the correct tempo but it just felt like he wasn't listening and was running on and was going to miss his stride for the fence.

Has anyone got any tips or exercises to keep more control when jumping a full course?

I would post the video but haven't got a clue how!

Thanks

 

[FikoR]

Cheltnum Gag has done me wonders!

My boys really keen so keeping the fences intresting (fillers , trys , walls ect..) so he backs off and uses himself a little more helps .... Untill he gets used to the fence!

Also grid work with bounces , i no its not round a course but i find it really helps develop alot more feel , especailly if he really is rushing as much as you think he is. Also gets him using himself

Dont know if it'll help you .. but really helps me!

 

[ThePony]

Can you practise jumping a round, but bringing back to trot after each fence. Keep it nice and forwards and full of energy so he doesn't panic and think he can't make the fence from the speed you are asking for - and so rushing off anyway! If it doesn't look rushed on the video then perhaps you could work on getting a bouncier canter rather than just trying to slow up for control? Just concentrating on allowing him forwards but not flattening. Bounces are handy for it (not high, just gymnastic) and flatwork looking at collecting the canter and keeping the energy there.

 

[KatB]

Having seen you jump a round, I think you probably would benefit from jumping from a bigger canter which will feel quicker anyway. However, the key is in having a balanced forward canter, and not letting it get long and strung out, as that is when you end up too deep/having to take a stride out.

Lots of grids, on correct BSJA distances will help you find the correct canter, lots of canter poles to a line of fences will also help

 

[soulfull]

from what you and Kat B say sounds like you have the same problem I have. I have found it REALLY helps to have the attitude, if you don't do it right you don't jump!
Therefore in practising if he rushes he gets circled until he settles then he is allowed to jump, we canter on to the next one, if he pulls, rushes, goes flat, I circle again or if that is not possible go past the jump!
he has VERY quickly caught on and as he wants to jump he listens much better.
Also working on small grids with bounces helps a great deal. I know I should really work on the canter on the flat more too so that is my next step, to work on teaching him to collect more and adjust the stride, I know this will make a massive difference.

Oh and do a lot of walk to canter especially when SJ it keeps them together better, at least for a few strides

 

[BYR]

Thank you for the help all

I will try some grid work next time we go to practise , and work on getting a better canter in his flat work. He does love to jump which probably explains why he is so enthusiastic to get to the fences !