The videos

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btw, does anyone remember a fantastic grey sj mare called Gem Twist who was on the U.S. team in the '80s? ridden by Greg something or other, i think. she used to stick her head in the air, poke her nose out, and would have jumped a house. i think she got an individual Olympic medal, can't recall exactly.
a lot of our old heroes in this country like Pennwood Forge Mill, Anglezarke etc used to be allowed to put their head where they liked, iirc.

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If they handed out individual Gold Medals to horses at the World Championships she would have won it, she never touched a pole, including in the 4 horse swap around.

Never mind old fashioned horses, most of the jumpers today don't go in an outline.

Madhector go and watch some big jumping classes and you'll see what Kerilli means.

No outline

No outline again

I don't think you are an awful rider, if I had broken my leg I wouldn't have been brave enough to get back on. I would have a lesson with a 'proper' show jumper and see if they can help you.
 
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yep, totally agree with that, mh.
the myler combo isn't harsh, it's different, hard to explain. my mare was almost uncontrollable in the snaffle-with-hooks version of the 3-barrel, and like a totally different, listening, malleable horse in the combo version.
i've got a combo comfort snaffle you can borrow if you like, if you don't know anyone with one... it's spare at the mo. pm me if you want.
nite nite all!

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I ride my horse in the 3 barrel combo. When I got her she was in a 3 ring and really touchy about her mouth. Tried her in the myler and I could take a contact. It is a nice bit. It's a bit stronger than a snaffle but milder than a rein on the top big ring of a 3 ring.
 
I am not a show jumper, and only jump for a change and some fun at home
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But, from watching the videos I think you are putting too much pressure on both of you, not just him. I know your trainers have said get him out as much as possible, but this is a horse who really knocked your confidence with his behaviour, so I personally think at this stage that is a crazy suggestion.

You both need to get to know each other a little better at the moment from what I have seen, read etc etc. and I think you need to have some time out of competing and just work at home. I know how much competing drives people (I am one of the main ones who just loves being out), but I know that even when you are just going out to 'play' the pressure is still there at the back of your mind.

Are there any clinics near you other than the one you go to? Would you be willing to travel to have some training with someone else? That is exactly what I think you should do... I think you should have a go with another instructor. Sometimes, we get in a rut with our trainers (I have done in the past) and we need a fresh set of eyes and a fresh set of vocal cords
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How about finding an accredited BE eventer near you (on website just found Mr John Bowen), and have 2-3 lessons with them and see how you get on. Don't worry about competing, more that you and Jerry are both settling.

I hope that helps a little...
 
Well done for getting round. There are lots of tips here already about what you can try at home, but I get the impression he is better at home. My old SJ was the same I broke him in and never fell off him. Then fell off at my first 3 shows! He was very similar - just found the atmosphere difficult. If you think you'd be more confident jumping lower then do it. Trotting might help. Also I used to walk round the corners sometimes to ensure he was straigt and let him settle for a mo. Did get some strange looks when I did it in a NC though! Obviously do all the above at home, but for some horses you just need to get out there. I went to every show possible even if I didn't compete just to work him with all the exitement.
 
well done, please dont be so hard on yourself, from what i have seen from your riding you do not fight him (based on what i saw last week) and ride him very patiently.

I know its really hard, and he is certainly testing you, i hope that some of this advice will help you out
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