Steep jump - improving from the ground

[SouthWestWhippet]

One of our riding school ponies has a very very steep jump. He jumps big, over exagerates his bascule and lands almost vertical with his head between his knees. He doesn't buck - this is clearly more of a personal style than naughtiness - but it does mean that you can't really *teach* jump with him as if the novices get in front of him (as novices do) they go over his head

.

Any ideas on how I can improve this 'on the go' so to speak (i.e. in the school, in lessons). I don't want to make his jump any more 'risky' because I am still dealing with learners here but could I use poles in a certain way to encourage him to jump a bit flatter or perhaps build some grids?? - Or is this likely to be very difficult for him and make him even more uncomfortable to ride the first few times?

This is riding school pony here - he doesn't need to have the jump of a mini Locarno, just carry his learners safely over 2'6 so they get the feel for it.

I will do some work with him myself but I would also like to be able to structure my jumping lessons to improve <u>his</u> jump as well as the clients'. I dont' really fully understand why he jumps this way so it is difficult for me to think of what might improve him and what would just unbalance and upset him.

thanks!

 

[jumpthemoon]

Does he get in close to the jumps or does he take off in the right place and just jump big? If he is making a really exaggerated shape I'd be tempted to get his back/teeth checked if possible to rule out discomfort, before trying anything else.

Once you are happy that he is not in any pain, I'd maybe start off trying placing poles then move on to gridwork and also work on his canter - asking for lengthened and shortened strides and making sure he is balanced and responsive.