very forward horse

[Elaine]

A horse that I ride jumps very big. Like lets say the jump is like 2 feet, she will jump like its 3 feet. I don't want to discourage her for putting all her effort in, but she can get a little fast after jumps because she is so forward. How can I make her calm down a little? Should I just not interfer with her jumping style? thanks for the help.

Elaine

[Sarah]

hello!

Is this your own horse or a riding school horse? Whatever, it sounds like the horse is either young or unschooled for jumping. HOrses often start off jumping jumps like they are 3ft ones even though they are nearer the 1ft mark as they don't know quite how much effort they need to put it. If it is your own horse, it could be worth trying to loose jump her or lunge her over a jump - but only do this if you are very experienced at lunging on the flat and your horse responds well to voice commands.

As to the running off after the jump this also makes me think that your horse is lacking a bit of schooling on the flat. Why not spend the next few months working on that, then try loose jumping her then see how you get on with ridden jumping.

Another reason why horses can rush jumps and over jump them is because they are in pain - sore back, badly fitting saddle, etc. The jumping hurts so they just try to get it done quickly and any old way.

I hope there is something here to help you.

bye!

[showjumper13]

I agree with Sarah, your horse sounds young, or inexperienced with jumping. I'd suggest a lot of flatwork, groundpole work, and cavaletti work (at the trot), to get him to realize that jumping isn't that big a deal. Sometimes horses get fast after jumping because even before the jump they were rushing. If you can control your mare's pace before the fence, then she'll most probably be easier to control after the fence. You might to check her feet, back, etc, too, because landing might cause her pain, therefore explaining her post fence rushing.

Good luck!