need help with control

[Elaine]

For my lessons I ride a old school horse. He really doesn't pay attention to my aids. My instructor is always yelling at me to get in control. But I just can't get him to do what I ask of him. When we go over jumps, he is always running out at the last minute. I give him alot of leg and reins right before the jump, but he just won't do it. I know that he can do it he just doesn't want to! When this happens, I always have to start at the beginning to make him listen. But it can get really frustrating!
Well I was just wondering if anyone had advice for me. thanks
Elaine

[Laya]

I don't know how experienced you are or how keen you are on the idea of using spurs or how your instructer might react. I don't want to start an upraising of disapproval on this post, but these mechanisms were made for such purposes.

So, I'd either recommend using a whip or spur or you could only need to really show this horse who's boss.

With a whip, most riders use a jump bat and hit the hindquarters or flanks of the horse, I myself use it to tap the horse on its shoulder to get its attention. This usually works for horses who's mind is somewhere's else. Well, some horses kick out at a whip, or so I've heard. I've never had to deal with this before though. If you use a leather jump bat, just tap him on the shoulder to get his attention.

Spurs should be used only as secondary inforcements. Some inexperienced riders may over use spurs on a particular horse and aren't really controlling the horse themselves. Spurs can give an extra ounce of strength (or remind the horse that it needs to go where you want it to go). If spurs are used, which I doubt will be allowed on a lesson horse, you'd have to be careful not to overuse them. I'd also recommend that they be blunt edged english spurs, even if you ride western. I am not highly recommending you to the use of spurs, because this equipment can be abused, but I am telling you your options.

You may have to regain control of this horse and show him who's the boss. You may just have to resume your dominant role.

If the problem consists with this horse, you could ask your instructer if you could ride another horse if riding this horse frustrates you enough.

I really would appreciate it if everybody didn't feedback on this like I must be nuts to even think of having someone use a whip or spur, or even give up on a horse. Let's face it though, sometimes you have to use these aids as long as you don't over abuse them.

Good luck.

:)

[Elaine]

thanks Laya for your reply. I agree with you that I should use a crop. I don't think i am experienced anough to use spurs though. If my instrutor ever rides him, he is the most responsive horse! Its just he won't listen to me. well thanks again. Elaine

[olympicprincess]

You should probably go back to flat work. When you have complete control, go ahead and go back to jumping. A crop may help if you need to give him a little wake-up call. Also, go over trot poles or small crossrails and then move on to the larger jumps.

[Laya]

Olympicprincess-

Good idea. I never thought of basics. Stupid me!! :)

~Laya~

[Elaine]

thanks everyone for your replies. See the thing is that on other horses I can go over the jumps fine, its just this one horse that I have trouble with. But difintly I am going to hold off on jumping until I can get this horse under control.

thanks

Elaine