Need some urgent help!

[unicorn babe]

Hi.
Im having problems with copper and jumping.?I can jump 1ft easy in canter but when i jump higher he keeps stopping dead in his tracks before making a giant leap. I keep on urging him forwards but never seem to get any where!
Any help appricated

[nutkin]

maybe he just doesn't enjoy jumping or perhaps that's just his way. We have a 14.3 cob at our yard who jumps the same way but he jumps 4foot quite happily.How does he jump when on the lunge. Try watching him and see how he goes. If he jumps the same on the lunge then it is likely that it is just his style. What is he like jumping over fences of say roughly 2'6 where he has to jump properly. There could be alot of reasons for the way your horse is jumping. Remember that not all horses can jump which may be the case here too.

[berties-girl]

You could try placing some ground poles to help him to take off at the right time instead of getting under the jump, also try lunging him over a few, if he is green this will give him a chance to find his own confedence with out the rider, also some bounce fences are good to get him going forward and produce a smooth shape over jumps.

[shaka]

Maybe its a good idea to do a bit of polework before you jump. Then what you can do, is put 3 canter poles out in front of a fence, just over 1'. Once he is confident doing this, you can build a small 3 or 4 part grid, starting with a 1' high cross pole, and then getting slightly bigger.

[kedwards]

I agree with the idea of doing grid work. He may just be a little uncertain of his striding when he has to put a bit more effort in. There are several ways to set up a gymnastic or grid that can set the striding for him to get him started. Then it might just be a matter of sending him over them a few times to get him used to it.

[shaka]

If you use the grid, I strongly suggest you have an experienced helper on the ground, to watch and adjust the jumps.
Also, are you sure it isn't you? Are you sure you aren't anticipating his stopping, which would make him stop?

[Calsanjo]

Hiya,

It sounds like your pony may be getting in a little deep - that is, too close to the fence - before he takes off. At 1ft this wouldn't be a problem but as you get higher it would mean he has to put in extra effort. Don't urge on too much, sit up and wait for him to take off. The more you urge him on, the closer you are likely to get to the fence and the more likely he is to hesitate! As a rough guide you should be aiming to take off the fence height away from the fence, so for example if you're jumping a 2' fence you should aim to leave the ground 2' away from it. Don't worry about that too much though... just allow him to take it steady, keep your hands still and squeeze firmly but gently with your leg. Don't drive him into the fence. You don't need to increase speed to jump!

Good luck! :)

[unicorn babe]

hey thanks all the first time i ever rode copper we did some jumping and my teacher placed 3 poles b4 the jump and it was better but i will remember dont drive him into jump *starts chanting the phrase*