whoops!

[snowpryncess_13]

Hi my name is Vanessa and on my 20th lesson anniversary my trainer set up some jumps and ground poles. I practiced going over the middle of the ground poles, and then I tried a jump. The horse I was riding was huge but my instructor felt I could handle him and it would be a good experience with him, so I trusted her and besides, I've been waiting to try jumping for awhile. Well, I tried aiming for the middle but he swerved to the right probably thinking "Phooey! I can do better than this!" The jump was an "X", so it was higher on the side. When we went over there was a big lunge and my neck cracked and we landed in a canter! She said it was just supposed to be a small hop, yeah right! Anyway I wanted to know if you know that he was just high-headed or I did something wrong. We didn't go over anymore jumps after that, my mom was too nervous. Thanks!

[qwerty]

I have only jumped twice but both times the horse tried to run out at the jump. Maybe he tried that but didn't leave enough room.
I know what you mean aboyt hurting your neck. I did my back in a few weeks ago because the horse spooked and did a buck into canter!

[kedwards]

It does sound like he may have started to try to stop or run out. From the sound of it, you likely legged him on after he hesitated, which is exactly what you should do. When a horse hesitates before it jumps or runs out a little before going back to the jump, the jump will feel bigger and more jarring. When all goes well, and the horse pops over in a straight line with even rhythm, I promise you it won't feel like that! At least not over the small jumps.

[Nickie]

ooh I know that feeling! Cat leaps over jumps are the most uncomfortable thing ever!!

I find that I have to really get behind Bren with my legs to get him to go nicely. He lost all his enthusiasm for jumping after he was gelded. (He was 8 then and he's nearly 12 now)

When he is enjoying it and we really get going then you barely notice the jump - even when the jump is fairly big.

Rest assured you will jump better than that! Often if Bren and me are trying a new fence and I'm nervous - or overexcited about it - he stops or runs out. Maybe as it was your first time your horse sensed you were nervous and hesitated to jump?

Maybe ask your instructor what he/she thought?

Nicola

[Cochise]

Yes I think he did try to run out from the sounds of it, but as you were trying to get him into the middle of the jump, you had him under fairly good control...well done!! You saved him from running out, thats a great acheivement...
I too know what its like to have one of the "iffy" moments cause a bit of pain..... although mine kept me off horses for 3 months (was supposed to be a year but I had my other pony to show jump that season!! *until he pulled a tendon* that was a bad year!!) Lucky went for the jump, then was a bit "iffy" heading into it. I kept my leg on and tried to keep her straight into it to keep her from running out. However since she once 100% straight, she crashed the whole thing and I was badly unseated. I went one way and she went the other. I hit the ground, but Lucky wasnt entirely gone, she made an effort to jump over me but succeeded in kicking me in the tailbone!! I was quite sore after that, needless to say, but I got on her again and jumped her over the same jump and went off to pony club on Cheers. 3 hours later, I finally decided to go to the hospital!!
But the moral of the story is yes its important to keep your horse straight at the jump!! ANd dont let your instructor push you into anything you dont feel ready for!!

[Toggi_Gurl]

I know *** u mean. The horse I ride called Harvey who is 14.2hh is amazing at jumping huge jumps but he will only do them in canter, he always used to swerve to the right. This helped me alot:

Start at a canter that way he wont be able to go into one mid - air. If he goes to the right, hold your left hand down and squeeze with your right leg to keep him in the centre of the jump. Also give him a big kick just before you jump and fold at the hips, and sit back up as soon as you have jumped, give him a very reasurring pat.

This should help both you an him. The worst thing to do is be nervous bcos then the horse will know and as soon as you get going he will swerve.

I personally find "X" easier to learn to jump than straights, because the the middle section is smaller, so it looks more inviting 2 the horse.

Good Luck!!!!:p

[maverick927]

After you've been riding for a long time a crack in the neck seems like nothing so don't be put off by it.