Scary jumps

[Evol_or_revert]

Hey now a question for the showjumpers :D.

Im normally out doing show hunter and eventing up to 1.10m but have decide to take the huge leap it seems and do some local showjumping trials now for my age group it's 1.10 - 1.20 with 1.30 jokers. Now this seems rather frighting.

Now my horse has done these trials before with a different rider. So he will have no problems doing it.

But I was wondering how do you not scare yourself? Any tips on how to showjump and how not to notice how high the jumps are!!!

Thanks guys

[casey]

I dont think its a case of how high the jumps are. I used to get really nervous about the height of jumps. I had all sorts of treatments from relaxation tapes to hypnotherapy to overcome the 'height' barrier. I would jump happily to 1.30 but worried about the 1.40 classes.

Now I see showjumping as a competition between me and my horse, against the course builder. I know my horse can do it, they are schooled, capable and sharp. I walk the course thoroughly, and have a plan and stick to it.

You have to change your perspective.

Showjumping is a battle of wits. Basically, the course builder wants to get as many of you out asap.

Of course, you need a good horse. If your boy has done it, then your half way there. All you have to do is worry about yourself.

Good luck.:)

[EventingRed]

try and not think about the hight, just get a good streight line and hold on :)

also....
i am i confused american...how high are you talking about in feet, or maby i will go do some math. good luck to you!!! have lots of fun. and if your horse has done it before im sure he wouldnt mind showing you the way :D

[Evol_or_revert]

Thanks guys, I have less then a month to get ready lol.

Im not sure about the height in feet but my little chart i have says that 1.06m - 1.37m is 3.6 feet to 4.6 feet.

[DITZ]

Dont look at them thats all I can say. Make sure you look past them. And remember that its not you jumping them its your horse. They might look high to you but not to your horse. Another thing that helped me was videoing us jumping. It wasnt till I looked back over the film that I realised how low they were compared to my horses legs (ok they were only 90cm...)

Good luck.

[Avid_Rider]

I think that once you are on the course, you wont notice the heights. I am deathly afraid of heights! I hate flying, wont go on rollercoasters, etc. But i absolutely LOVE jumping.
I was nervous at first, but when I was taking lessons I did an amazing thing to get me over my fear.
Of course I wouldnt do it without being in an enclosed area and having someone close by on the ground. But what we did was figured out what I was comfortable jumping, and then raised the jumps one hole. Then I tied my reins, cantered my horse up to a chute jump (so that he couldnt get out on either side) and just before I got to the jump, I dropped the reins and stuck my arms straight out! It was sooo much fun. Next time around I had to close my eyes.
Hope that helps

[peaches89]

look beyound the jmp, thats *** i do, and smile, it tricks the brain in2 tinkin everything is ok :)

[Colorado Sunset]

make sure youve jumped higher than this at home, then you know you are comfortable jumping higher, so itl be like coming at jumps smaller than your used to, instead ov bigger ones. You know your horse is capable of it, just focus on something after the jump and like previous people have said, smile, enjoy it, your doing it for fun anyway!!

Jo

[hel88]

its up to you as the rider to get the horse on the correct line for the fence at the right speed in the right rhythm and balance for any fence - its up to the horse to jump the fence. on that basis, there should be no difference when it comes to height - although you will require more impulsion for higher fences.

[Evol_or_revert]

thanks heaps guys :D

Unfortanly I dont have any jumps at home that got up that high, my highest is one jump at 95cm.

I did the big showjumping comp that i was scared of!!!

The jumps were not as big as i expected. First round got clear and had a clear jump off.

Second round the jumps were slightly bigger had a clear round. Then the jump off was very tough the had two pairs of jumps that had to be jumped on after the other and the jumps were are right angles to each other kinda like this.. | _ . So you had to do a key hole turn so not to cross ** tracks. First pair of jumps went fine, second pair went bad!!! but the time i had slowed down adn turned i was on to much of an angle and to close to the second jump. I knew there was no way we could get over the jump so i looked straight down at it, nicky just comes to a nice slow halt, we turn around then jump it.

Im enjoying this showjumping thing :D have the second part of this same comp next week. so im going to spend all this week schooling dressage and turns lol

[Colorado Sunset]

Thats fantastic, well done!! :) Glad you enjoyed yourself!!
I wish i could jump that big!! Well, good luck for the next one :)

Jo

[Avid_Rider]

That's awesome! I've just sent my horse away for a month to have her training finished off and i've only been at the barn 5 days and they want me to keep her there permanently and get her into jumping and such. good luck on your next phase.