The horse i ride is PETRIFIED of jumps.

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Megang

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The horse i ride (who im looking to buy) is petrified of jumps. He is now between 15&17 and he had an incident when he was younger. He ran in to one of the wings and spooked himself. Thankfully he was not injured!! My instructor cant even get him to walk over poles. Is there anything i can do? No hate please :-)
 
Personally I wouldn't be jumping him he's old enough to earn that right and if you want to jump find another horse. Making a horse do something it clearly doesn't want to / is scared of is just asking for trouble.

I prob depending on the horse work up to trotting poles, but would depend entirely on the reaction, maybe leaving some poles in the paddock or making a box with his food inside. Its not really something you can give advice on without seeing the horse in action.
 
maccachic said:
Personally I wouldn't be jumping him he's old enough to earn that right and if you want to jump find another horse. Making a horse do something it clearly doesn't want to / is scared of is just asking for trouble.

I prob depending on the horse work up to trotting poles, but would depend entirely on the reaction, maybe leaving some poles in the paddock or making a box with his food inside. Its not really something you can give advice on without seeing the horse in action.
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This. Just leave poles out everywhere like in his field and around areas he goes so he has to step over them (like in a big circle round his hay). Then ride round them loads when schooling, getting closer each time until eventually you can go over them. Lead him over them, then lunge him over them, then be lead over them with you on etc. Give him masses of praise every time he goes over one (and perhaps a polo or something) and never force him, keep it fun and light hearted?
 
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What would you do if it was a trailer he was scared of? Desensitise him, make it enjoyable (feed him nearby or inside) train him using a reinforcer? Exactly the same thing, different stimulus is all.
 
I think i am going to just leave the jumping and enjoy hacking out and schooling. He is too old and jumping doesn't really bother me that much thanks everyone x
 
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