Tips for confidence SJ/XC

[rolls1392]

First post, so here goes. Have a mare rising 7. She has a great jump sj & xc, but lacks confidence. Have taken her hunting this season which helps, have previously done loads of training,grids and small shows to help her along, but occasionally she throws a wobbler and refuses. Is this a mare thing? Are they as moody as I hear? All my previous horses have been nutless boys if you hadn't guessed.
Basically any tips/ideas would be great.
We've been working on our relationship for about 18 months.

 

[Sunny_Star]

This is not neccessarily a mare thing, my boy can sometimes throw a wobbly too. He can be jumping a perfect round then just decide to be silly and misbehave!
I would just try to get her out loads, seeing loads of different jumps. This has helped me and my horse.

 

[ladyt25]

Are you confident in her? I obviously have no clue in your ability but would think you must have fair experience as you mention previous horses. Mine lost his confidence after a back injury, had never stopped ever before then just refused. Got his back sorted but, as I then had lost confidence in him, he lost confidence in me and a vicious circle began! I took the pressure off and went to smaller classes and it seemed to do the trick and also had lessons from a professional showjumper which boosted my confidence.

Does she tend to rush her fences? if so then she maybe need to be taught to back off a bit and take them steadier. my pony had a fantastic jump but jumped so fast (in fear i think) or not at all.

if she is rushing then maybe try a stronger bit to gain more control or go back to the drawing board and improve the obedience on the flat?

i guess without seeing how the mare jumps it's difficult to advise.

Sorry, I'm crap aren't i!!

 

[rolls1392]

Lady T. I've been competing for about 5 yrs upto to BSJA on previous horses. This girl is my first very green horse. She was only broken at 5 after two years off with a leg injury, but this causes her no problems now. Yes she has taught me to expect a stop,but we are trying to get over that now with pro help. She doesn't rush her fences though.
My riding ability, typical bloke, confident, but with the memeory of a hmaster and the dexterity of a blue whale!!