Fluid Between Jumps

[Laya]

My horse has been working me to the bone with getting him to jump correctly. He does sometimes, usually out on a paper chase or a really nice day. On other days, he doesn't try. Also, I need help with getting him to continue through a jump. He seems to stop right after wards which is such a pain to keep him going. He's improving but not by much.

[Showjumper]

How old is your horse, as if he's quite young, or very old, he'll want to congratulate himself and get his head sorted after the jump.

When I'm training a young horse to jump, I always use trotting poles on the ground first, then trotting poles with a small cross pole afterwards, working my way up to a small grid, which encourages the hrose to use his hindquarters more and therefore gets up the momentum so they're less likely to stop after the jump.

Remember the approach is everything. If you have a sloppy, on-the-forehand approach, the jump and getaway aren't likely to be too good. You could try establishing a nice, bouncy canter before the jump, canter in strongly, keeping the horse right back on his hocks, IMPULSION is the key - not speed! You'll find if the approach is good, the horse will bascule nicely and won't be so likely to stop or bolt off on the getaway. If he tries to slow down before the jump, or after, use your legs stronly backed up lightly by a crop if necessary, although I don't advise it.

Please let me know how you get on. :)