Transporting youngsters & improving jump technique

[Oldenburger]

I have a 4 year old and am now ready to take him places. I dont have transport but i have a friend who is happy to share her lorry.

He has travelled once before in a lorry and was ok although every time we went round corners he leaned right over nearly bowing.

Any tips for making his journeys stress free and making him confident?

Also, any tips on how to improve his jump technique. he is a big warmblood and has a huge backside. When he jumps he lifts his hind legs right up, but is slow to get his shoulders off the ground, resulting in him knocking fences in front (only baby things) - want to do some grids etc but wonder if anyone has ideas? he is not a stressy sort and tries to work things out quickly but almost doesnt care if he knocks poles?

 

[BSJAlove]

i have the same problem with my ISH mare. shes a big 17.1hh with a huge forehand si shes slow with her front and sharp with her hind. i do lots of steep cross poles. (ill try to explain it as best i can lol)..

i tend to make the part of the x-pole the horse jumps, as narrow as possible. it has helped to get my baby snap her front legs up, also lots of grid work

good luck!

 

[Oldenburger]

Yes that sounds like a great idea - i suppose the straights just encourage more flopping.

Any one else got any tips on jump techique or travelling?

 

[Rudey]

Good idea about the narrow cross poles, it really makes them use themselves, in their front end, as well as the back end! I think it helps getting a better shape in the air too, less flat!

About travelling .... just make sure each journey is a smooth steady one, exaggerate the smoothness around corners especially so that your horse feels safe to relax. They usually are more unstable when they are tense and scrambling. Make it as enjoyable experience as possible. Maybe some sweet hayledge to take his mind off it! Practice makes perfect!

My horse tenses when he feels the brakes, even when done smoothly, as he is anticipating stopping. Then he is unsteady on his feet! To overcome it, when I know I need to steady down for a corner or a junction, I just let the accelerator off well in advance and let the truck steady down itself (smoother that way) and use the brakes gently as possbile if needed