Rebuilding horses confidence

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Fox07

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after a fall. Last nigth I was having a jumping lesson and my horse left a back leg, got tangled which meant she fell over sideways (with me on top) luckily no physical damage done as far as I could see and I jumped straight back on and we popped a few miniscule fences (horse was a bit reluctant) then called it a day. Now Im a bit concerned her confidence has gone. Obviously I will be keeping an eye out for any physical damage she might have as a result of the fall over the next few weeks but is there anything I can do to rebuild her confidence? We only jump once a week to keep her keen, should I not jump her for a couple of weeks? She normally loves to jump too.
 
Maybe lunge her over some small jumps (or free jump if you have a safe area to do so) just so she can find her own way again and if she throws a silly jump or two it will be easier for her to right herself without a rider before you hop back on.
 
Silly phone sent before I'd finished..

But I would also get her checked out by a physio/chiro as a force like that landing could have made her v sore and done some damage.
 
Once you're certain she's 100% after her accident, my only advice would be to try and not expect her to be worried. Drop the jump height and technical level to something you both find easy and untesting, but then try and forget the accident in your mind. You may find by expecting her to be worried, you'll start worrying and then the situation will get worse. Try and keep your own confidence up, in her and in yourself.
 
do lots of polework i found this really helps confidence when you put the fences up again and gets them thinking about where their feet are! dont worry sure she will be fine but just keep it simple :)
 
i'd say next time you jump her ride her as if nothing happened, put the accident right to the back of your head- infact out of your head completely! drop the jumps down to a height smaller than you would usually jump, jump those and when she has done them without a problem, stop, don't raise them just let her know that they're not all gonna grab her leggies in mid air! good luck i'm sure she will be fine :) x
 
My horse and I had a nasty fall in the warm up SJ a few weeks ago. He needed a few staples for a cut and pulled off a front shoe but otherwise seemed ok. I gave him 5d off to let any bruising settle then got him checked by the chiropracter before I did anything much with him. Once he had the all clear I did some small grids to give him confidence and he (hopefully) seems back to his normal self again now.
 
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