Open water training - Tips to share for everyone!

[Nightmare before Christmas]

Its that time of year to get the open water out!

My horse has always been funny with blue on the floor! We have cracked his confidence over trays but now I need to build his confidence over open water.

I have my normal tray out in the school and my big blue tarp folded into double tray size. We are going to pop over them whilst schooling so it becomes normal. When hes happy I will make it wider and pop it now and then till hes happy and so on.

Any other tips? I heard those that are most spooky about them turn into the best water jumpers

 

[D66]

If they won't jump the tarp at all, put it at one side of the jump and then slowly move it in.

 

[Nightmare before Christmas]

Thats a good idea!

 

[stencilface]

I'll hope I need this tips this year and that I'm jumping again. I've only ever done one proper water tray in my first newcomers ( didn't realise they are compulsory in that class - well prepared as ever!) my method then was leg on and pray, would love to know how to dot properly

 

[DonkeyClub]

When practising over these, Don't ever look down or lean forwards, sit up really tall, as soon as you're slightly forwards you will have lost him & obviously use lots & lots of leg!

 

[Nightmare before Christmas]

I think with mine its building confidence and building up slowly between now and july!