Starting SJ again ... Tips please

[maxapple]

I have a pony on full loan who was BSJA in the past and who started stopping with his owners a few years ago - prob as a result of being very overjumped (teenager rider who loved jumping = stale pony!)

I got him a year and a half ago and we have spent the past year working on his dressage which he is now doing very well at, and flat work in general. He's had a total MOT recently - teeth, back, new saddle, total new way of working so he is relaxed and happy.

Last year we were doing some SJ with mixed success (either won or didn't get over the 1st jump - well I did, but without him! ) I lost my confidence after a couple of really nasty falls due to really dirty stops. I think his stopping was due in part to a sore back / badly fitting saddle, but now all that has been respolved, I still think he has the 'habit' and am finding it hard to trust him again.

What is the best way to build up our trust and confidence together again? I've been advised not to jump much (if at all) at home so he doesn't get stale - but want to do a bit just to feel together again. We've got a few local events coming up, so am thinking of just doing some clear round / minimus jumping. I'd also like to do the WHP class at our autumn show which is just 4 jumps and want to feel confident going round them (They are just 2'3)

 

[mystiandsunny]

Maybe take him out xc schooling for a 'different' jumping experience, so he remembers it can be fun again, without the memories of the arena etc? Some horses unfortunately never recover from being overjumped, but sometimes a change (like WHP type jumps) can help.

 

[ldlp111]

He sounds abit like my mare, one day she flies the next we get eliminated or I fall off
No advise really other than good luck and remember it's supposed to be fun

 

[maxapple]

He sounds abit like my mare, one day she flies the next we get eliminated or I fall off
No advise really other than good luck and remember it's supposed to be fun

He is EXACTLY like that!

June we did a 2'3 class and got eliminated at the 1st jump after 3 refusals!

3 weeks later went to a local show, did 2'6 (smallest class that was on) and didn't expect to get round - we won!

Maybe he has just had enough show jumping and I should see if we can enjoy hunter trials instead. x

 

[schneeko]

Good Luck, only advice I can give you, is to start small and work your way up, make the jumps interesting and just do a few at the end of a schooling session rather than making it a "jummping session" so that he doesn't get stale.

Maybe get a couple of lessons or get someone to watch you just to make sure your position and everything is ok so that you know that's not a problem. (i'm sure it's fine but it's just another thing to check)