TheLea-Rig
Member
I could use some advice please!
I have had a Dutch Warmblood for three years who was a speed jumper from Holland in his day. As you can imagine he has plenty of spirit!
When he is calm our flat work is pretty good in canter working in a nice outline and managing balanced flying changes and the likes. I have managed to jump 1.20 on a loose enough rein where he has the stretch of his neck and back however controlling strides is difficult this way and so is not ideal. I do this because he can become easily excited if I keep the contact over small fences, to the point that they become challenging. Before we have jumped, we can manage over ground poles in an outline quite pleasantly, however after 1 fence when I keep the contact he hollows his back,throws his head in the air to avoid me and bounces on the spot. He'll bounce all the way round the arena, and up to the jump/pole (sometimes sideways) and then two or three strides out hell grab the contact and tank his way over. The same happens using ground poles leading up to, and after fences, and circling before jumps on their own just excites him more. I have also tried schooling and popping the jump once/ twice in the session with no intention of jumping it again and even then he looses the plot.
I ride in a french link gag or snaffle depending how he is going, and I have tried a variety of different bits, however a stronger bit has little impact, and I would say changing bits with my horse unsettles him. Neither a flash or grackle makes things any easier either. I have had his saddle fitted, his back checked and teeth rasped so I have nothing really to blame this cheeky behaviour on, and riding it out seems impossible!
Any hints/tips would be greatly appreciated.
I have had a Dutch Warmblood for three years who was a speed jumper from Holland in his day. As you can imagine he has plenty of spirit!
When he is calm our flat work is pretty good in canter working in a nice outline and managing balanced flying changes and the likes. I have managed to jump 1.20 on a loose enough rein where he has the stretch of his neck and back however controlling strides is difficult this way and so is not ideal. I do this because he can become easily excited if I keep the contact over small fences, to the point that they become challenging. Before we have jumped, we can manage over ground poles in an outline quite pleasantly, however after 1 fence when I keep the contact he hollows his back,throws his head in the air to avoid me and bounces on the spot. He'll bounce all the way round the arena, and up to the jump/pole (sometimes sideways) and then two or three strides out hell grab the contact and tank his way over. The same happens using ground poles leading up to, and after fences, and circling before jumps on their own just excites him more. I have also tried schooling and popping the jump once/ twice in the session with no intention of jumping it again and even then he looses the plot.
I ride in a french link gag or snaffle depending how he is going, and I have tried a variety of different bits, however a stronger bit has little impact, and I would say changing bits with my horse unsettles him. Neither a flash or grackle makes things any easier either. I have had his saddle fitted, his back checked and teeth rasped so I have nothing really to blame this cheeky behaviour on, and riding it out seems impossible!
Any hints/tips would be greatly appreciated.