General Cross Country tips needed please

[chickflick1066]

On sunday, I am going for a x/c training sesh at Snowball Farm EC but, the minimus course starts at 2ft3, a size I'm not hugely comfy jumping with, unless I get really cocky and into it.

It's not uncommon for me to fall off, but I'd really like to stay on this sunday! I was just after some general x/c tips though.

Stumpy CAREERS into the fences, until about 2 strides before the fence where she sort of collapses and then catleaps over the fences!! - I was thinking...slightly shorter reins, more leg contact, look up + PMA?

The thing is, I need to be the confident rider to encourage Stumpy over the larger fences. I'm just so worried of a dirty stop or a sneak run out. Some of the Snowball x/c fences aren't the most inviting fences so I'm a bit scared!

Any general tips would be fab, even from those who do 3ft+ x/c :o

The below photo is an example of a fence I was a bit chicken to jump, so it ended up being an awkward fence..and yes, I came off. This fence is at Rosehill, and one of the bigger fences I jumped last time, only thing is, this is the height they'll start at on Sunday. SCARED!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y24/chickflick1066/Wow.jpg

[Trewsers]

Well, I've never (and never will be brave enough) done xc - tho I have been a jump judge at the old yard!!! I would say definitely wear your bp!!! hehehe, sorry, not being terribly helpful! Try and have fun, I think you're very brave and I'm sure people on here will give you some proper advice. Might Stumpy respond if you reinforce your aids by a whip tap just a few seconds before you go over the jump? I know when OH was jumping Storm last year - he fell off and it was cos she put a dirty stop in - but only cos she wasn't encouraged enough - he wasn't so sure and she picked up on it. Anyway, good luck!

[Iron Maiden]

I'd say try to check her, get her head up if she's got it between her knees & gather her together about 3-4 strides out so she's on her hocks rather than her forehand, that way you shouldn't get the cat leaping. As you say, you need a good contact & even if she seems to be going fast, lots of leg. If you turn her a bit tighter into the jump, does she still career into it? Sometimes you're better off not giving the horse a huge run-up because they just go 'yee-haaa!' & set sail! Remember that the faster you go, the less steering you have and the more abrupt a refusal will be, so see if you can almost showjump the xc jumps until you feel a bit more confident & have got the hang of it. Most important, have fun!

[Sammii]

I think you should believe in yourself Mints! :)
You admit you're scared (first step to overcoming..) and you still do all these events you admit to being scared too.
To me, you must have incredible amounts of bravery to do that :)