VERY last minute stops

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Henry.Col

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I am having a bit of a mind fuzz over my lovely Henry. I guess I should start at the begining and hopefully somebody can help!

Henry was competed up to Novice BE as a youngster, and due to his fantastic paces his owner concentrated on dressage. His flatwork is stunning, he is a real show stopper and its the best feeling schooling him! BUT his jumping is some what of a problem. When he goes... he has a cracking jump! He is a very powerful horse and I know he can do it (BE records show very good XC but a little lazy SJ).

He stops, very very last minute! I can see the stride and then suddenly the brakes go on and we are either in the fence, or darting out sideways. Everyone who has seen him do it are amazed I stay on and I must have serious glue! I am starting to loose my nerve, having had nasty falls in the past (not off him) and I just cant risk it!

He likes to bowl along at a reasonable pace with leg and very little hand seems to work... sometimes!

Any Ideas... or do I stick to dressage :(
 
I'd get him checked out physically, vet, physio/chiro, saddler, teeth etc. Then go from there.
 
My horse does this although I normally fall off! Maybe drop down a level to smaller jumps so that if you get into trouble you can sort it out and he can pop it from standstill? Then slowly build his confidence up, and never give up on a jump so he knows hes always going to have to jump it sohe might aswell do it first time :) hope that helps abit! Im still a little puzzled on it myself!
 
What do you do when he stops? Do you turn him in a circle? If it were mine, I'd take him right back down to say 2'3 /2'6 and work super hard to keep him straight (trot if its easier). If he refuses, make him do it from a stand still (which at this height is easy to do). Sounds like he's learnt its simply easier to not bother. I'd keep doing this at home and at competitions and not move up until he is consistently happy popping round them with not a thought of stopping.

Have you had him long and has he just started to do this - ie. was he fine to begin with?
 
My lad does this he doesn't stop often but when he does you need the super glue! :p

I agree that coming down to a low height might help until your hugely confident over it and the gradually start building up again.

Have you had him long?
 
The clue might be in your description of how he likes to go. Maybe you need to have him more between your leg and hand?
 
Apart from the information above - watch that you are not dropping youor hands just at the last minute - see if you can have someone video you.

Concentrate on keeping the energy contained, the horse straight, you make sure that you are carrying your hands - straight line elbow hand horses mouth and are looking up and beyond the fence. Bring your toes forward enough so that you can just see them if you look down 0 this will give you a strong base should he stop. Keep hands off his neck - hands suddenly planted on the neck generally indicate to the horse that the breaks need to be applied.
 
If he is physically fine I'd drop the height low & slow down. Start by walking in to tiny jumps, when okay approach in a slow bouncy trot. Hold him between hand & leg, if he goes to swerve out by riding at very slow speed you can stop him, hold him straight & jump from stationary. If this worries you have a friend near to drop the pole, to ground if need be, but he doesn't turn away,his only option is straight forward over the poles. Work on his confidence, give him plenty of time to learn. His previous owner may say she choose to do dressage as he was so talented, in truth she may well have had the same issues as you knocking her confidence. Treat him like a youngster, go over the basics before asking any questions.
 
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