HORSE & RIDER – ASK THE EXPERTS

Question:  My horse enjoys jumping but I feel he lacks confidence only because I do too.  Can you advise me of any exercises that might help both of us?

Answer:

It certainly sounds as if you need to build confidence as a partnership.

I would suggest you started over trotting poles, approximately 9 feet apart depending on his stride.  When you can ride over four to six poles in rhythm and balance you are ready to start in canter.

At first canter over one pole on the ground on a circle.  Keep the same rhythm and speed and try to judge the pole so it comes within the canter stride.  This exercise is a great help with “seeing a stride” to a jump.  You can then start to canter over poles at approximately ten feet distance apart on a straight line, building up to four poles.

When this has been achieved raise the last pole to a small cross pole jump, then when confident make the second and last pole a jump.  You will need to adjust the distances – approximately nine feet from the first ground pole to the first jump and 12 feet between the others.  Gradually build up until you have a ground pole followed by three inviting small jumps with ground poles in between.  You can then raise the last jump and even make it a well- built spread as both of you gain confidence.  Inviting fences with simple fillers or good use of poles are much better than a single “airy” bar with no ground line.  Always jump equally in both directions and adjust the distances so they are perfect for your horse. You need to make it easy for him.

Another suggestion is that you find a small, well-made cross-country course and go with an experienced friend who has a steady, reliable jumper to give you a lead.  This can be great fun and will introduce you to different obstacles.  Pick the straightforward ones to start with.

The golden rule is – don’t be over ambitious and don’t try to achieve this all at once.  Little and often is best and do not move on to the next stage until you are happy and confident with your progress.  Always quit when you are ahead!

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