question for eventers or those that jump XC fences?

[Pidge]

Ok so took Pidge to Somerford Park farm ride on Saturday, 3rd time we've been. He jumps the steps into and out of water fine, canters down the 4 steps and up the 3 steps, goes in the river fine, but we had an issue with the house coming out of the woods and the blue wooden fence with tyres on top of it

couldn't get him over either of these and have jumped the tyre one before. So could it be the fact that I wasn't sure I wanted to jump them as I thought they were a bit big and wide or something else? Jumped the 3 logs on top of each other just after the house several times

How do I try to concentrate on the good things achieved rather than the 2 fences we failed to get over?
Does your horse have an issue with particular XC fences?

 

[KatB]

Yes could well be the fact you didnt really "want" to jump them. Were there smaller versions of the fences there? If so I would jump those first, and then work upto the bigger versions

You've just got to have confidence in both your abilities before tackling the bigger or spookier fences.

 

[Pidge]

Thanks Kat, wasn't really sure about jumping them so think he picked up on that. there weren't smaller versions of these fences unfortunately

So play more over the smaller fences and then when happy try these? How do I try to ride more confidently as if I'm not quite sure he picks up on it quite quickly?

 

[LEC]

I think the expression throwing your heart over first sums up xc riding. You have to be 100% positive or else you get into trouble and plus its not really fair on the horse if you are not 100% sure as they look to the rider for confidence and reassurance.

 

[Pidge]

thanks Lec, will try to do that next we go, like the phrase [ QUOTE ]
throwing your heart over first sums up xc riding.

[/ QUOTE ] think that sums it up quite nicely

 

[samp]

As said with XC type fences you have to be 100% commited for both yours and your horses safety (of geeting over). Always remember you need to be in a forward canter with the large fences but do not allow it too get too long and flat

 

[lisan]

Would he not even do it with a lead off Sunny?

I think next time we should book the xc course and a trainer to work out some or our issues (not our horses, yours and mine!!)

 

[Pidge]

no

but I know deep down I thought it was too big and wide as I was worrying as to how his leg would hold out

he was fine, its just me

now that sounds like a damn good idea, didn't know you could do that?
me and sis are on hols week beginning 27th Aug have you any time off then?

 

[Baggybreeches]

Positive Mental Attitude!!!!!! Makes all the difference hun!