Skipping behind before a jump

[Robandtaz]

Hi. We are an amateur family getting into more serious showjumping. We have a talented 9 y old horse competing at 1.30+ ( schools over 1m 45 but we are having trouble with him doing multiple changes behind on the corner before the jump. He also drifts on these corners. Worse one way than other.
any ideas as to reason or best training to stop it would be gratefully received.
many thanks.
Rob

 

[ycbm]

I'd get the horse checked by a vet Rob, that is often an early sign of hock issues and the horse is a prime age for a sports horse starting it.
.

 

[Robandtaz]

Thanks. He only does it if he thinks he’s about to jump. On the flat no problem at all.( would he do it all the time if it was hock?) And he came with clean XRs two yrs ago and has only done about 20 shows since ( thanks Covid!)

 

[Upthecreek]

Does he do it whatever the height of the jump? Is what is going on behind making him drift on the corners? Is this new behaviour?

 

[Robandtaz]

Even over cross poles. Or if he just thinks he’s coming to a jump. Drifting and skipping def seem to go together. And he does it less with the heavier rider. Has got worse over last 12/12. ( he’s also been on more hard food)

 

[Goldenstar]

You need an issues with performance work up .
Its possible it’s a training issue but I would get a problems with performance type vet to look first .
When you know it’s not a physical problem (and if it is the longer you work the less likely it is you can fix it ) then you can make a plan to address the horse and riders training .

 

[CanteringCarrot]

Highly likely to be a physical problem. My first stop would be the vet.

 

[ycbm]

Thanks. He only does it if he thinks he’s about to jump. On the flat no problem at all.( would he do it all the time if it was hock?) And he came with clean XRs two yrs ago and has only done about 20 shows since ( thanks Covid!)

I think the anticipation of the extra effort of jumping could mean that he would do it then but not on the flat. Over the years I've seen a few horses whose first sign of hock problems is to start rushing into the jump. Not refusing, not running out, still jumping, just too fast. It's often mistaken for enthusiasm when it's actually anticipation of pain.

I'm afraid 2 year old x rays are of no help now.

I hope it's a training issue, but I do feel you need a performance workup from an orthopedic vet.

 

[ycbm]

Even over cross poles. Or if he just thinks he’s coming to a jump. Drifting and skipping def seem to go together. And he does it less with the heavier rider. Has got worse over last 12/12. ( he’s also been on more hard food)

Is the heavier rider more experienced?
.

 

[ihatework]

Frequently changing behind is always a red flag and needs a vet check

 

[Shay]

Sounds like early stage hock or SI problems. I would second the advice to get a proper vet work up.

 

[Robandtaz]

Thanks everyone- anyone recommend a vet in South Wales?!

 

[HelenBack]

Cotts are good depending whereabouts in South Wales you are.