Who doesn't like jumping and why?

[Archiesmummy]

I hold my hands up and can categorically say if I never, ever jump another jump in my life I will be quite happy. I just have a fear, don't know why. When I was younger, although not over confident, I was jumping top barrels no problem but have never done a course of larger jumps. Got a clear round, once, but it was hell for me.

I sometimes wish there was an idiots guide to jumping ... really, really, really basic. Me and Archie could learn together but I just cannot find information that is so basic so would rather not attempt it.

 

[Lobelia_Overhill]

I'm not mad on jumping, having ridden a psycho horse who's idea of a fun time was to stop, drop his shoulder and dump his rider on top of the jump.

When I had my first pony I gained a bit of confidence cos she'd no brakes and just hauled me over everything while I was screaming "no!! NO!!!"

Haven't jumped current bhoy yet!!

 

[cobface]

I do enjoy jumping, but for me i have to be doing it alot to enjoy it. I start of small and work my way up. My TB is a baby and loves jumping but sometimes if i get doubtful about the jump she will put the brakes on - this is my biggest fear esp after a few falls. Must learn to trust her more
Funny thing is am less worried about xc than i am with big coloured jumps!
Forced myself to take her yo a big show few weeks back, seen the course was 2"9 i thought i would cope as been jumping 3ft at home. But these where HUGE HUGE up to height very wide big boys full of fillers and tricky combinations. Mare was full of herself, too excited and was just running over the practice jump. I was nervous as hell and it didnt help that alot of my friends where commenting on how brave i was as they wouldnt do it!! eeeek!! we had 2 refusals on first fence - totally my fault, jumped it was locked onto the 2nd one and we got eliminated boooooooo!!!

 

[jsr]

I'll admit I'm a happy hacker, even as a kid I wanted to do nothing but gallop across open fields and plod chatting to my friends so jumping, competeing etc held no interest. It was purely because last year my yard held a Combined Jumping and Dressage comp so I decided to have a go. Booked a lesson with my YO'ers daughter to have a practice jumping and the moment the poles came out my cobs ears came forward he started prancing and he showed an interest that I've only ever seen before on the beach or in an open field!! He absolutely loves jumping so I decided for his sake being a young horse I should try and get us both competent enough to be able to pop over a few jumps!!

I'm hooked, I love it even though we've hit the deck a number of times and I can't keep up with him because he wants to do more than I'm capable but I get such a thrill from it!! Entered my first XC 2 weeks ago and we came 4th (and I didn't fall off!!!) and I'm hoping to do more with him next year!!

I see no shame in not wanting to jump, if Kane hadn't shown such a love of it I'd have happily given up and not thought twice about it. BUT I'm enjoying myself so much...I've changed my planned new horse from a pure Shire to a Shire x TB so I'll be able to do more!!!!!

 

[TarrSteps]

I sometimes wish there was an idiots guide to jumping ... really, really, really basic. Me and Archie could learn together but I just cannot find information that is so basic so would rather not attempt it.

Obviously no one should make themselves do anything they don't want to but I think there are books (and instructors ) that take a very basic approach and could set you up with a program. If you build up slowly and consistently there's no reason the average horse and rider can't enjoy jumping small jumps, even just for fun at home and/or while out hacking.

As with a lot of things, I think most fear comes about because people don't have confidence in their skills and/or their horse's ability. The catch is, in many cases, there really is a weakness, the rider just doesn't know how to overcome it. So sometimes it works, other times it doesn't but they're not really sure why. Figuring out exactly how and why things go wrong or right helps many people go forward. It's not realistic to expect the same level of heedless enthusiasm we all felt as kids, but that doesn't mean it can't be fun!

 

[Archiesmummy]

Obviously no one should make themselves do anything they don't want to but I think there are books (and instructors ) that take a very basic approach and could set you up with a program. If you build up slowly and consistently there's no reason the average horse and rider can't enjoy jumping small jumps, even just for fun at home and/or while out hacking.

As with a lot of things, I think most fear comes about because people don't have confidence in their skills and/or their horse's ability. The catch is, in many cases, there really is a weakness, the rider just doesn't know how to overcome it. So sometimes it works, other times it doesn't but they're not really sure why. Figuring out exactly how and why things go wrong or right helps many people go forward. It's not realistic to expect the same level of heedless enthusiasm we all felt as kids, but that doesn't mean it can't be fun!

Tarrsteps, it goes without saying, but I will say it ... I think you are wonderful and you are the first person I would contact in the event I ever decide to go over more than a trotting pole. You are still there, sitting on my shoulder, (in my mind, obviously) instilling confidence and I am very grateful to you. Was only talking about you this morning, all good.

Perhaps, one day ...

 

[Magicmillbrook]

Yes and no. I used to jump and whilst I was always nervous I loved the feeling. I sort of want to jump now but my confidence has gone and nerves get in the way.

Just recently I have started popping a few tiny cross poles and hope that if I do them often enough they will start to feel 'normal' and then I can move up. I only aspire to say clear round or 2'3"/2'6" - one day.

 

[BentleyBelly]

I never jump...never got the hang of it as a kid and haven't really tried since. I think if I had a horse that could teach me I would be interested in learning, something really reliable and steady, then maybe.

 

[blond1]

I don't like jumping too. Have only done 2 jumps with my boy and I've had him nearly 3 years. Watching other people fall off when they are jumping scares the **** out of me.

 

[dizz4]

I hold my hands up and can categorically say if I never, ever jump another jump in my life I will be quite happy. I just have a fear, don't know why. When I was younger, although not over confident, I was jumping top barrels no problem but have never done a course of larger jumps. Got a clear round, once, but it was hell for me.

I sometimes wish there was an idiots guide to jumping ... really, really, really basic. Me and Archie could learn together but I just cannot find information that is so basic so would rather not attempt it.

I too have got nervous over the years of jumping, used to absolutely love it and would jump anything (thought not too big as they were riding school horses and wouldn't let us jump anything too big) but I lived for jumping... but now if I have to jump something that is barely 8" off the ground my heart starts beating really fast and I very nearly bottle it, I have been forcing myself to do little jumps every time I ride to see if I can get over this fear.... My horse loves jumping, he does tend to rush which I don't think helps but he has a nice jump and doesn't throw me out of the saddle or anything.... It could be down to my age, I am 40 something now but I am very frustrated about this and have even comtemplated hypnotherapy to get over it as I loved jumping so much and wish I wasn't so nervous about it now....

Any tips anyone.....???

Dizz4

 

[Show Girl]

I used to love jumping, rode NH horses for a living, show jumped, xcountry you name it I jumped it. But that was back in the days of old, a few years ago I had a really nasty fall jumping which knocked my confidence completely, I banged my head on landing and everytime I approached a fence I could hear that bang, I did 'get over' this to some degree but took the decision not to jump anymore as I really don't have anything to prove, also the accident was quite a nasty one which laid me up for awhile and had to rely on other people to do my horses for me, which I didn't think was really fair, so now I hold my hands up and say NO I don't like jumping anymore and I'm happy with that

 

[Shysmum]

me - cos I haven't done it for years, I have a dodgy back, and I'm scared

 

[LaurenM]

I've never liked jumping much. I haven't had a bad experience, I just don't like it! It feels like I am going down a rollercoaster when I approach a fence - it turns my stomach! Shame really as my boy can jump quite big. I would give jump cross a go but I can't find one in my area

 

[ElvisandTilly]

I used to love jumping as a youngster but got more nervous as I got older and saw more of the dangers.

5 weeks ago decided I felt very brave and attempted my first jump for over 4 years .......... fell off and broke my tibia quite badly had to be operated on and plated!! Now going to be laid up for months not being able to ride and had to leave my horse in care of others till I can start weight bearing on the leg

I can honestly say that i will be quite happy just getting back to hacking and doing the showing classes and dressage!! lol!! Will leave the jumping to those that can do it and are brave enough!!

 

[Hippona]

I'm not mad on jumping, having ridden a psycho horse who's idea of a fun time was to stop, drop his shoulder and dump his rider on top of the jump.

Same here - the mare I had when I was younger would put in dirty stops- quite often I would go over the fence on my own

Then my last horse I didn't really have the confidence initially- then when I did he broke his leg and I never really did much above 2ft 6 after that - I didn't want him to break again, even though I was told he would be fine.

New horse is very green- we have lots to work on so when I am ready I think I will get my mate who jumps BSJA to coach me.

 

[Holly Hocks]

I used to love jumping when I rode in riding schools, and when I got my ex-racer, I was so chuffed when I jumped him over 3'10" (yes I measured it to the exact inch!), but he is quirky to ride over jumps as he was when he was racing, and after a few duck outs and falls, I just lost confidence. I would love to get my confidence back again, but I know that after just one more fall, there is no chance that I would get back on again....

 

[Taffyhorse]

Similar to Showgirl - used to love it, was never the bravest but would happily jump the pre-novice and some of the novice fences at our local XC venue & competed up to 3ft6 SJ.

Then had a couple of nasties quite close together - the second of which I came off and landed under the horse who cantered over me resulting in broken ribs, concussion and some serious bruising - horse also trod on one boob blowing it up to Dolly Parton proportions, I had to 'unfettered' for a fortnight!!!

I think if I could have jumped soon after I recovered I would have been ok. However I then lost my riding (was riding for friend of then bf and we split up) and didn't ride for a couple of years. It was only when I started riding again and actually went to jump (with not a thought) that I realised my confidence was shot to pieces. I have done bits and pieces since riding again but haven't really gotten back into swing of it. I really do want to though and the urge has been getting stronger recently.

My other issue is that my boy has never jumped before either and as he looks to me for confidence in new situations, I don't think we're the best combination! So plan is to ask YO if she will start him off and then I will have a go. I have done trotting poles with him but he tends to launch himself and as I haven't done it for so long my eye is totally out and my position isn't that great which doesn't help my confidence either - but ho hum!

I've also thought about trying sports psychology or neuro-linguistic programming to help me regain my confidence as I used to love jumping and it kills me watching others go XC or having fun jumping in the school - knowing that a few years ago, I'd have been right in there too and I really miss it.

 

[Rose Folly]

Don't worry about it! You don't have to jump to have a fulfilled riding life!

I hunted all my childhood and adolescence, and would jump absolutely anything. Hunted a couple of times in middle age on hirelings and, after a massive whisky at the meet, found I could still take on what came. Now in my dotage if we have to 'pop' a fallen sapling on a trac,k or the little local stream, I behave as if I'd just jumped Becher's Brook.

Perhaps, if you want to jump, that might be the way forward - are there any hacks near you where there is a little stream or a fallen branch to try? Go with a friend, NOT on your own, and get them to give you a lead. You might find you enjoy it - and if you don't, nobody on here's going to think any the worse of you - and we won't know anyway - unless you tell us! Good luck.

 

[Silmarillion]

Me.

I don't have the right horse to give me the confidence to do it. If my mum's horse was still jumping, I would be too. If I bought my own and it was a total saint, I'd be happily popping 3' SJ and probably doing some XC too (and hunting!) But I don't, and I will not jump other people's horses (can't build up that kind of trust with someone else's horse) so I just don't.

One day...

 

[Shysmum]

My dilemma is that Shy is a natural. So in a few years I MAY have lessons on him to teach us both. Starting with a cavaletti - do they still have those (showing my age ? ) sm x

 

[Charlie007]

I love jumping but can't due to bad back. Every time I jump I can't walk for days so its just not worth it!!!

 

[Archiesmummy]

Thanks for all your replies. Sending best wishes to those that are crocked at the moment for want of trying. Reinforces what I thought, four feet, mostly, planted on the ground!

 

[Spit That Out]

When i was younger i used to jump everything and anything...Hedges and gates included. I used to love galloping around with no cares in the world pointing my trusty cob at anything and sailing over it. She never stopped, dropped a shoulder or ran out.
I got a new horse as the cob was no longer big enough for me and i think my jumping confidence left on the lorry with her when she left!!!
My new horse was a great jumper and was another point and jump kinda horse but funnily enough i started to have lessons on him, the more lessons i had the worse i got and my confidence to even do cross poles ebbed away.
I think that i had no style jumping and probably did everything wrong so having to think about contact, position, the correct leg, seeing strides etc etc was too much for my brain!!!

There was a huge oak tree that had fallen in the winds one year. This thing was massive over 4ft high and a few feet wide and i always promised myself i would jump it one day. The day before the new owners came for my horse (selling as i was going to college) we went on a really long hack and on the way back plucked up the courage to jump the tree...I aimed, kicked on and shut my eyes!!! I just remember looking back at the tree with a big cheesy grin feeling so chuffed. However i have never jumped since and that was 1993!!!
If my horses jump now it's with someone else on their backs and i like to think i ended my jumping days on a high?!!?

 

[cloudandmatrix]

i dont like jumping. my share pony cant jump for health reasons and i dont miss it at all.
it scared the **** out of me and i wasnt very good, and relied on my amazing, honest girl to get me over, but nver got over 2ft due to me, though she was capable of so much mre.
one day maybe, but for now i dont want to.
we have been enjoying showing instead- which i love

 

[CCLPony]

I hold my hands up and can categorically say if I never, ever jump another jump in my life I will be quite happy. I just have a fear, don't know why. When I was younger, although not over confident, I was jumping top barrels no problem but have never done a course of larger jumps. Got a clear round, once, but it was hell for me.

I sometimes wish there was an idiots guide to jumping ... really, really, really basic. Me and Archie could learn together but I just cannot find information that is so basic so would rather not attempt it.

I love jumping, it is actually much simpler than what all the books say. these rules only really apply for 1m20+ depending on the horse . But if its just a cross pole all i can say is just point and go. HAVE FUN

 

[Silmarillion]

Me. Wuss. Can't enjoy it if I'm that scared. One day I may find the right horse to do some tiny stuff on... maybe. If not, I'll stick to trying to learn to ride on the flat

 

[caitlin95uk]

LOVE. LOVE. LOVE jumping
anything from little cross poles in the school to 3ft+ xc jumps
the feeling you get when your horse takes off and that split second your in the air its like your on a high.
Cassey, my mare, loves it, before i had her, i used to jump 3ft only no higher, and only 2ft3 xc jumps, but the way her ears prick forward and her little face lights up, i can tell she loves it too!
She has taken me up to about 3ft10 single so far, but could easily do a course of 3ft6
not bad for a welsh x newforest
i really advise trying it, for fun for you and your horse, hopefully you can find an instructor or someone you trust to guide you step by step, start with little poles and your confidence will eventually grow and if it doesnt, then jumpings not your thing i guess..

 

[MizzPurpleKitten]

I absolutely HATE jumping! I used to love it and would jump anything and everything as a child and teenager, I had a few big falls but nothing that stopped me and I continued as normal. When I first became very ill I went into hospital at age 18 (totally unrelated to riding by the way), when I cane out I found myself absolutely petrified of jumping.

No idea why I just don;t enjoy it anymore. I've forced myself over a few courses since but never enjoyed it so I stick to flatwork, Dressage and Showing now....

Funnily enough I own a Showjumper, some would say it's a waste considering his ability but I'm very lucky that my best friend jumps him for me

 

[Snickers]

I would like to be able to jump properly, but I'm like you, I can take it or leave it!

 

[Firehorse]

i loved jumping and cross country as a teenager. couldn't get enough, altho wasnt the bravest rider, i knew my limits. i then didnt do any jumping for 17 yrs, was jst a happy hacker and didnt miss jumping at all. when i got my own horse nearly 3 yrs ago, i started jumping a bit again. my horse loves it and knows his job well, but i will only pop tiny crosspoles and i go months without jumping. it just depends on the weather, what mood i'm in and if i can be bothered to put the jumps up versus going for a hack!! if i was to come across some nice logs out hacking,i'd be more than keen to pop them, but never seem to have anything like that round here.

i can live without jumping, but once in a while, so long as they're small, i hve fun.