XC schooling today - advice

H-J

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So took Connor XC schooling today again he jumped everything I faced him at! But was still a bit iffy at the water, took me almost ten mins to get him in it yet when he was in it I couldnt get him out!!!

You cant beat him because he is physically very scared of his reflection in the water!! Where it is so still e finds that very spooky. Then he decides its ok goes in and is fine, had him jumping Novice BE logs off into water and everything!! He loves it when he is in it.

So some advice!!! Do you think this sounds like a horse that will never go straight into water or the fact that he eventually goes in then is soo soo god in it means he will eventually go straight in?! He is only 5 and been broken about 8mths and in that 8 mths done bar minimum like 2 BN's and ridden about twice a week not doing very hard work and being alowed to ave his head poking about!!
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Will do - Just never had a horse who isnt sure about water so just asking from other peoples experiences have they got over their initial fear! He is young though so will hopefully grow out of it
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Mine went XC schooling first time, jumped everything until came to water, and then reared me off. Spent about 40mins with my trainer trying to get him in, and evntually had to admit defeat. Went next time, to different course and he was straight in like an old pro, and not had a problem since (fingers crossed) Sounds like he was very good for his first time!!
 
It was his 2nd time XC, first time he was the same as this time jumped all the normal fences just didnt lik ethe water so I got a lead through and he went straight through. This time went through on his own after almost ten mins so getting better!!
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Have you a nice beach anywhere near you. Flora was exactly like that at water last year, but we took her to the beach a few times over the winter, and either that ir just general growing up has made her so much more confident at water. She will jump in off a step, and isn't worried at all.
Good luck.
Fiona
 
Funny thing is he will jump in off a step over logs and everything once he has made that initial step in! Its just that first step when the water is still!

That is a good idea we are hopfully going to go to the beach in a couple of weeks and XC schooling again Sat before Little Downham (well just water schooling!)
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Yes I would but would rather he was making his own way through it, albeit in his own time!! Rather then a lead as he is fine once he is in it.

I have 2 events booked on him so going to do them, then will just school etc until he is ready, I wont event him again untl he is confidently going into water
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