Losing stirrups at showjumping and horse refusing

[emiliaa]

Hi guys 👋
I have recently started having some issues when I am show jumping and they have really made me lose my confidence

So in my past 2 shows I have constantly been losing my stirrups and this has never happened before at any other shows so something to do with my riding has suddenly changed for me to keep losing them and it was really embarrassing because I even had to stop a few times just to put them back on!! (I am competing at 80-90 btw) I also recently changed my stirrups but I couldn’t think that this would be the reason why I am losing them as my new ones have way more grip. My horse has also recently started refusing jumps at the last 2 shows we have been to and I have no idea why we have had his saddle and teeth checked and I am starting to wonder if he is just trying to take advantage of me 😪 also wondering if this could have any input on me losing my stirrups as I don’t lose them when he refuses but I always lose them as I land from a jump.

Thank you I would really appreciate any advice X

 

[be positive]

I suspect the change of stirrups is the cause of you losing them, they may have more grip but could also be a different weight or size, if bigger/ deeper you may need to put your stirrups up a hole or two, having extra grip will not really help you have a secure lower leg and they may be hindering your position in some way, I would try the old ones or pop these up a hole or two and see if that helps.

The horse stopping will be because he feels you are not secure so either taking advantage or losing confidence, if you lose them as you land my guess would be he is worried as you lose your balance as he lands and that is unsettling him and causing him to lose confidence so he puts in the odd stop, sort out the stirrups and he will probably get going again.

 

[emiliaa]

I suspect the change of stirrups is the cause of you losing them, they may have more grip but could also be a different weight or size, if bigger/ deeper you may need to put your stirrups up a hole or two, having extra grip will not really help you have a secure lower leg and they may be hindering your position in some way, I would try the old ones or pop these up a hole or two and see if that helps.

The horse stopping will be because he feels you are not secure so either taking advantage or losing confidence, if you lose them as you land my guess would be he is worried as you lose your balance as he lands and that is unsettling him and causing him to lose confidence so he puts in the odd stop, sort out the stirrups and he will probably get going again.

Thank you I will try putting them up a hole and seeing if that makes a difference or changing them back completely X

 

[irishdraft]

I bought some new stirrups recently although they are my normal style they seemed to be bigger/longer than my previous ones so have to put them up a hole shorter than I used to maybe this is the problem for you?

 

[DabDab]

Agree with above - I'm massively picky about my stirrups when jumping. They have to be the right weight and size, otherwise they seem to take on a life of their own and my lower leg goes to shit.

Does it only happen out competing?

 

[MagicMelon]

Surely the easiest thing is just to try your old stirrups again for a while? I imagine you might be upsetting the horse if you're always losing your stirrup and therefore your balance suddenly changes. I started losing my stirrups after Id had a short break to have my son, Id been using normal metal stirrups so I changed to lightweight ones and haven't lost them since. So they definately make a difference and its not just to do with the grip they offer, the weight of them can make a big difference too.

I really dont think horses think to "take advantage". I think horses start refusing due to a problem, not just because they cant be bothered or want to annoy you.

 

[SpringArising]

How long have you been riding? It doesn't sound like your lower leg is quite secure enough for 80s and 90s yet if you are losing your stirrups. Even if they have no grip you should have sufficient balance in your lower leg and enough weight in your heels to be able to keep them.

I suspect your horse has started to refuse as he's losing confidence with you being a bit discombobulated.

Do you do any no stirrup work? Over grids sounds like it would be very helpful for you and maybe stepping down to a few 70 classes to work on your balance and confidence a bit more.

 

[MissP]

When I am more nervous, I adopt a more forward position without realising it. Could you be doing the same? It is instinct to 'brace' but it makes us more prone to losing balance and some horses use it as an invitation to stop.

Another ideas-

- your stirrups have stretched
- altho grippy, your new stirrups have less 'bounce' or are too wide
- your hamstrings are too tight - have u taken up new hobbies or stopped stretching or sitting more?
- your horse isn't happy/balanced and you're sitting funny as a result

 

[MissP]

I mean stirrup leathers stretched