Jumping out on a hack.....

[Ludmilla]

I need some advice please. When we are out on a hack we go over some jumps.Fallen trees etc. The problem is that when the other horses start to canter over towards the jumps, my boy wants to take off over them at the same time.He gets real excited and I try to get him to focus and wait for me to take him over.I've tried a lot of different things to get him to relax and wait his turn but in vain.Please give me some pointers .I want him to relax and stay with me .I must add that we don't do this on a regular basis so I know that is a problem, usually we just walk on the hack and trot and sometimes canter a little but the jumps we only do when everyone on the hack is comfortable with jumping .I want this to be a relaxing and fun experience for both of us but feel it is unsafe when he gets so excited and wants to jump when he wants to! Thanks for any help you can offer !!!!!

[ponytude]

Maybe you could lunge him before you go on the trails. It could round him of a little and he could settle into the ride more.

[LindaAd]

Does he mind if the others go away from him otherwise - at a walk, or a trot? If he does, then maybe it would help if you practised that, starting with them going just a little further on while you wait, or you going ahead of them, then working up gradually to the point where he doesn't mind seeing them canter off.

Keeping up with the herd is one of the most basic horse instincts, and most horses will fuss about seeing their companions canter away, unless they're used to it.

[Ludmilla]

He seems fine when the other horses trot and walk off from him.He steadily catches up with them but when they canter towards the jumps he gets nervous and a little anxious that they are leaving him behind so when they canter, he wants to canter .Out on the hack it isn't always pssible to turn him or circle him, because sometimes there is no room for this. I try to get his attention on me but I don't always succeed in calming him.

[OlavS]

Try keeping him as focused on you as possible by doing travers, leg yield and plenty of half halts when hacking.
If you lust let him "relax" his mind may start to wander, and he'll focus on the horses in front. The best way to get a horse to relax on a hack is to be his leader, so he doesn't have to worry about predators or what the other horses are up to. That means constant excersises to keep his attention. Give plenty of praise when he does it right, and he'll be only too happy to please you.

If done successfully you can hold him back by half halts as the others take off, and chances are he'll listen.

It doesn't always work, though, but give it a try! :)

[nutkin]

why not let your horse go in front. I would also try to get some more cantering out on hacks before jumping again so as your horse doesnt get too overly excited when you are doing something different. Let your horse go first and last and when he is able to canter without wanting to race then you can try jumping again.

[Ludmilla]

I absolutely LOVE this forum!!!!!You are all so generous with your information and I can't thank you enough! I will definately take this advice and I'll let you know how it goes. Happy trails to one and all!!!!!:D