Nightmare Jumping Lesson

[Ravenwood]

I admit that I haven't jumped her for a while and before that we had done XC when we had quite a nasty fall and frightened her a little bit.

Today I had a jumping lesson in an indoor school and she is just so difficult to ride - the instructor commented on me being a brave and "ballsy" rider!!

Basically, however I try, I just cannot keep her in a rythm and she just leaps and charges the last few strides with her nose in the air and launches herself at the jump - this is because she is worried about it.

The best thing I did to improve things was too keep looking up as I have that tendancy to look down and therefore sometimes lock my hands. We have tried canter poles and grids but does anyone have any other tricks to keep her listening to me?

When we entered the school and warmed up he commented that we must do well in dressage - I have never done it but perhaps this might I an avenue I should explore!!!

 

[LEC]

I would go right back to basics. On trotting poles every time she rushed I would make her do a circle and keep doing a circle until she no longer rushed. Would then do the same in canter changing direction. Everytime she rushed she would do another circle. When she is calm and doing it well pats and a rest. Then keep doing the same with fences. Basically so she learns not to get stressed out about it and life becomes easier.

 

[henryhorn]

Would echo Lec's advice but would add do not accept her running forward, it necessary make her halt (not right in front of the jump) and walk into the jump, slowly increasing your speed into trot.
A pole the other side of the jump helps too, they have to steady to get it right.

 

[Vicki_Krystal]

i do what lec suggested but instead of just circling i keep them thinking by halting a few strides out, a couple of paces rein back, pat, then either onto the fence or poles or back onto the circle.

 

[Alimac19]

A great book full of useful excercises is 100 (or is it 101) jumping excercises for the horse & rider. This goes from basic ground poles to advances courses. I wouls have thought that there will definatly be some useful tips in these. It's a great book as is 100 schooling exercises. Hope you sort it out. A lot of patience required!!

 

[Ravenwood]

Thank you everyone and I agree that I will probably have to go right back to the begining! Chestnut mares eh who'd ave em! or prehaps I will just try dressage!