Pony frightened while jumping now refusing please help.

[shugmx]

Hi Guys

We have a great 13.2 pony who was doing great eventing at pony c. At the pony club area's the pony went in to jump with a far too loose grackle nose band and locked her jaw and got too fast put an extra stride in and smashed through a jump. She is a super sensitive pony and since always puts a stop in usually at the first jump on a course. Can any one give me some advise how to get past the stops. She has had back and teeth done and is 100% sound and in good health.

Many thanks.

 

[Tern]

In my opinion, I would give her a break from jumping. The more you try, the more she is just going to stop. Take her away from jumping completely and try again in a few weeks or something. Others are likely to disagree but like I said, it's what I would do.

 

[shugmx]

Thank you for your reply this is what i have been thinking just so frustrating now the dressage is good we lost the jumping.

 

[Tnavas]

Give her a break from competition through winter and quietly work over trotting poles and small jumps, working on control.

How is rider feeling about the fall, could she be pulling her up? Watch for rider dropping hands onto withers just in front of the jump. Her confidence may have taken a blow. Maybe some lessons on a schoolmaster jumper would help restore confidence.

Also consider a sports hypnotherapist. The subconscious can be very powerful. Years ago I had a nasty fall, similar to your daughters, though horse stood off the fence and was on the way down and got legs either side of the top rail. He flipped. Rolled on me and then trod on my head, breaking my helmet. I only remember the take off, but my subconscious remembers and to this day I freeze if I get a long stride.

 

[shugmx]

Give her a break from competition through winter and quietly work over trotting poles and small jumps, working on control.

How is rider feeling about the fall, could she be pulling her up? Watch for rider dropping hands onto withers just in front of the jump. Her confidence may have taken a blow. Maybe some lessons on a schoolmaster jumper would help restore confidence.

Also consider a sports hypnotherapist. The subconscious can be very powerful. Years ago I had a nasty fall, similar to your daughters, though horse stood off the fence and was on the way down and got legs either side of the top rail. He flipped. Rolled on me and then trod on my head, breaking my helmet. I only remember the take off, but my subconscious remembers and to this day I freeze if I get a long stride.

Looking like its going to have to be a break, rider is fine but re hands i do think she dropping contact as she is riding quite forward now to try and stop refusal. thank you for reply.

 

[Shay]

Ditto Tern I'm afraid. The more you try the worse this will get - for your daughter as well as the pony. Have a go at something completely different for a while - or even turn away completely for a couple of months. Then when you start to come back perhaps start with a good accredited instructor working to get back on track. We've all been there - or watched our kids be there. Confidence for them both takes only seconds to break and months to re-build.

 

[shugmx]

Yes Shay , so tempting to keep competing but head is going to have to rule.

Thanks

 

[Shay]

I know - we've been there too. It is hard to take a break - especially if you're in a competitive PC or all the friends are still out and about. But we found it helps to keep in mind that this is supposed to be fun. When it stops being fun - and it doesn't sound like it is just now -then it is time to change track. Doesn't mean you can't come back later - and you might discover something great on the way. PC Endurance is taking off right now, if your branch is able to support it? Or BHS Trec? Both completely and utterly different but still with the opportunity to compete if that's what your daughter wants. Or perhaps loan or lease another pony for a while to keep going but let this one take a break? Good luck!

 

[HazyXmas]

Great idea from Shay. PC endurance is fantastic fun & you learn loads & get to ride in some really beautiful places.

What about some fun rides or Autumn hunting? Might be good for pony & rider to do a bit of jumping when their blood is up.

Good luck.

 

[Ms.Cameo.22]

My suggestion would be a trotting pole if you just lead over it in a head collar in walk then next time the bridle- not all in. One day though! Then try with a rider in walk still then try it at trot and so on… then as he gains confidence move the pole up more and more!

 

[Illusion100]

It seems as if rider/pony relationship/trust taken quite a knock and the refusing is due to over-compensation/lack of trust.

Both pony and rider need to be able to view jumping as fun together as a team again by reinforcing their previous relationship. My advice would be for them to do activities they both enjoy, get back to enjoying their partnership and gradually introduce polework (always quitting while ahead), then cavaletti/raised trotting poles and finally jumping.

Wish you all luck!

 

[shugmx]

Thank you again for your replies. They always enjoyed competing but now it has turned into a battle of wills until she jumps first jump then they continue on fine with a little bit of backing off. So i think we will have a break then build up gradually again. Many thanks for your help.

 

[Tnavas]

Looking like its going to have to be a break, rider is fine but re hands i do think she dropping contact as she is riding quite forward now to try and stop refusal. thank you for reply.

Try not to overdo the forward - sometimes going back and jumping from trot helps the horse organise itself better.