GreyConnemara
Well-Known Member
Hi,
I have a very intellegent 13 year old 14.2hh Connemara X who is hence, also a big worrier. I have had problems with him in the past refusing to jump, particularly fillers, but it is obvious he is genuinely scared as he will physically shake and looks terrified when he does refuse. We think he may have had a patchy past as he will not wear hind boots and will lash out until he falls over to get them off. He also will rarely hit a pole (he hit one in a lesson last week and preceeded to bolt and it took a lap of the field before I could stop, cue shaking etc), so we think at some point he has been given a good thrashing when having poles etc, though I have never hit him for it, neither had anyone else do it while in my care (3 years). When he refuses I simply give him a pat to reassure him, let him have a look, before representing him. With this method he will normally go over second or third time.
This has turned him into such a worrier, and although he enjoys jumping when he gets into it, it seems the refusals are a loss of confidence, and fear that he will hit a pole. The biggest I have ever jumped him is only around 2'9" but its such a shame as he has so much scope he clears this easily, but just doesnt have the confidence.
This has lead to a reluctance to go forward. I cant use a whip as he gets scared and wound up and I dont want to lose his trust. I have been riding him in spurs, but this now has a limited effect. All his checks are up to date, back, teeth and saddle all ok.
So do any of you have any suggestions as to how i can get him to trust me enough to go forwards? I try to vary his work as much as possible to keep him interested, but there's only so much I can do - he hacks, showjumps, goes xc, does ridden and inhand showing, does dressage, and also groundwork.
Any advice gratefully received
I have a very intellegent 13 year old 14.2hh Connemara X who is hence, also a big worrier. I have had problems with him in the past refusing to jump, particularly fillers, but it is obvious he is genuinely scared as he will physically shake and looks terrified when he does refuse. We think he may have had a patchy past as he will not wear hind boots and will lash out until he falls over to get them off. He also will rarely hit a pole (he hit one in a lesson last week and preceeded to bolt and it took a lap of the field before I could stop, cue shaking etc), so we think at some point he has been given a good thrashing when having poles etc, though I have never hit him for it, neither had anyone else do it while in my care (3 years). When he refuses I simply give him a pat to reassure him, let him have a look, before representing him. With this method he will normally go over second or third time.
This has turned him into such a worrier, and although he enjoys jumping when he gets into it, it seems the refusals are a loss of confidence, and fear that he will hit a pole. The biggest I have ever jumped him is only around 2'9" but its such a shame as he has so much scope he clears this easily, but just doesnt have the confidence.
This has lead to a reluctance to go forward. I cant use a whip as he gets scared and wound up and I dont want to lose his trust. I have been riding him in spurs, but this now has a limited effect. All his checks are up to date, back, teeth and saddle all ok.
So do any of you have any suggestions as to how i can get him to trust me enough to go forwards? I try to vary his work as much as possible to keep him interested, but there's only so much I can do - he hacks, showjumps, goes xc, does ridden and inhand showing, does dressage, and also groundwork.
Any advice gratefully received
