jumping barrels...

[ponytude]

What is it with thoose barrels any ways? Lots of ppl get nervous and freak with them. I should know. I was jumping in the summer and came right of on my butt. Any tips to help me over tehm? I havent jumpped a barrel since and I hate the fact I that I havent.

[IrisSilverMoon]

I think the scary thing about barrels is that they look pretty solid, so they tend to get a bigger jump from the horses than you might expect as the horse really doesn't want to hit them. they may also be wider than a vertical of the same height.

I'm not sure of what advise to give you besides try taking them on a steady jumper who you already know isn't afraid of them. If it helps maybe close your eyes a few strides out too? I find its often easier to jump if you aren't looking at the fence (you aren't supposed to be looking at the fence anyway), but I think the looking at it might cause you to go, oh no...that looks big and solid (whether you know it or not) and then you brace yourself for a stop or a cut out or a big jump, which may put you in a bad position once the horse does take the fence.

[galadriel]

Barrels look extremely solid and imposing. So while they may be, say, 2' to jump, they LOOK 3' and more. They just plain look scary to people (and horses) used to jumping more airy jumps.

Remember, though, that a horse's jump is a half-circle; he takes off, on the ground, as far away from the jump as he will eventually jump high. So if he has to jump 2 1/2' to clear a jump, he takes off from 2 1/2 away from the jump.

So a horse is *already* jumping appropriately to clear a jump; he's already doing what it takes. He already takes off from as far away as he needs to, and he lands that far away also. Nothing needs to change, just look at the top of that barrel as the top of the jump, lift your eyes as you approach, and trust the horse to do it right ;)

[ridehorses]

where i ride, we jump barrels all the time. They do look bigger than they are, but they're easy to set up, and fun to jump. the only worrying thing is them rolling if your horse tripped, but all the school horses are well trained over them.

[ponytude]

Thanx for the advice guys!!! I never knew about that take off thing. Thats really cool. Thanx!!! I Always thoiught I was freaked because there wider then usual. This sunday I have a jumping clinic and I know that there will probably be barrels. I am ready to jump them!!!!

[galadriel]

Originally posted by ridehorses
the only worrying thing is them rolling if your horse tripped

Properly set up, barrels should be braced by something (large pole or railroad tie) that will keep them from rolling.