Tips for backing horse off

[My Boys M&D]

Does anyone have any tips for getting a horse to back off xc fences? My boy is fab in that he jumps anything he's pointed at but he has a tendency to rush the last few strides and jump a bit flat.

I don't want to change his bit as he's not strong, he has a very soft mouth and I try to leave him alone the last 2 strides at least.

He showjumps nicely and happily waits for the fence- I'm 99.9% certain he just loves his job and wants to get on with it (his face is the picture of joy when we go xc schooling!) I just want him to look before he leaps!

Any tips/ exercises?

TIA

 

[Equestrienne]

First thing I do is lift my chin up 2 strides before fence - helps to bring your upper body back and can help them wait.

 

[spacefaer]

You may find that you are unconsciously "pushing" without realising. I know I tend to do this - as soon as I see the stride, my body involuntarily tightens, which results in the horse flattening the last couple of strides.

I remember riding my American trainer's show jumpers, and thinking "yes!" just as I learnt to see the stride - and the horse jumped great, but like an event horse. He told me to stop kicking...... so I came into the fence and deliberately took my leg away from the horse's side about 3 strides out - the horse ballooned the fence, like a show jumper - lesson learnt.