Jumping advice needed

[horsey_lass]

I jumped my new share horse for the first time today, and while he was great, I found it quite difficult. The fences were very small, but I found it very hard to stay with him over them and not get left behind. He's a 16.3hh TB and an ex novice eventer, so he's got a long stride and a huge jump. The last time I jumped before today was about 3 years ago and on a pony with a much shorter stride, so I wasn't used to having the horse take off a long way from the fence.
I'd appreciate any advice you could give me about how to stay with the movement. I managed to avoid jabbing him in the mouth today, but I can't be sure that I'll always be able to and I dont want to spoil him.
What's the best way to get used to his jump without putting him off jumping? Would it be better to practice very small jumps or move onto something bigger and more what he's used to? Also, would trot or canter be a better way to approach?
Sorry this is a bit long, but any advice you could give would be much appreciated.

[luv2jump2!!!]

The last time I jumped before today was about 3 years ago and on a pony with a much shorter stride,

I'd get some jumping pactice in with an instructor, just to get yourself more accustom to the horse, striding and remind yourself of it - we all forget things in 3yrs!

Would it be better to practice very small jumps or move onto something bigger and more what he's used to?

Most horses can jump any height, As you say you've not jumped in 3yrs i'd start small and reaccustom yourself to jumping.

Also, would trot or canter be a better way to approach?
Really does depend on the horse. Jumping at a trot builds up back muscles and tends to encourage a better outlins (bascle) over the jumps.

[horsey_lass]

Thanks for your reply. I dont think I'll be able to get an instructor to come and teach me - I dont know any in this area as I moved recently, and also the horse isn't actually mine so I don't know if his owner would mind. Do you think it would be worth having a lesson on a different horse, just to get some practice in?

[luv2jump2!!!]

Yes, I'd try anything! (if it gets in more riding its a bonus!!)

[DavidH]

Your problem most likely stems from tha fact that he was a novice eventer. To get around a novice xc course within the time an average speed of 520 metres per minute is required. This means that the horse will be used to jumping out of a long fast stride.

What you must do is shorten the canter stride as much as you can on the approach. This won't be easy and is one of the challenges when eventing.

Keep the canter short and bouncy on the approach to the fence then allow the horse forwards in the last couple of strides by opening your fingers a little, nothing else. This will allow him to make any final adjustments to his take-off point and will also mean that if you are left behind then he will be able to pull the reins through your fingers avoiding and jab in the mouth.

Spend as much time as you need before jumping getting the canter right. It is the lenght of stride on the approach that dictates how close a horse gets to a fence before take-off and eventers, if allowed to, will always go for the longer one.

[horsey_lass]

Thanks for your advice - I'll get some more practice in and try to work on shortening his strides. He does have quite long strides when working on the flat so I'll try some schooling to change that a bit.

[PromiseMe]

A LOT of people get left behind over the jump when theyre first leraning...so its totally normal.

And just some ideas...

I dont know if instructors do taht over where you guys are from...but when i was first learning to jump, instructors always made you grab the mane (its ok - usually it doesnt get ripped out and even if it does, it doesnt hurt them much as they dont have many nerves there) so you dont jab the horse in the mouth if you get left behind. (and its also harder for you to get left behind when grabbing onto the mane)

Also, it might be easier for you to get into 2 point like 2 or 3 strides before the jump...or maybe put trot/canter poles before the jump as well, and you can space out the trot/canter poles according to how long you want his stride to be.

And about whether trying trot or canter....either is fine...so whatever youre more comfortable with...but why not try it at trot first? Take it one step at a time...

[horsey_lass]

It does kinda feel like I'm learning all over again - I learnt to jump years ago but this horse is so different from what I'm used to that I feel I'm having to start again.
I would try to grab his mane but its really thin and short - so theres hardly anything to hold onto. I'm trying to find a neckstrap for him, mainly to calm my nerves more than anything.
Does any one know what distance trotting/canter poles should be from each other and the fence? I think this might help, but I dont want to set the up wrong and cause him to trip or something.
I was thinking about going into jumping position a bit before the fence but I was a bit worried in case I accidently tipped too far forwards and unbalanced his stride. I might try it over a small fence though.

[panzita0]

I'd suggest placing 4 poles on a 20 metre circle, just trot poles (put one at 12 o clock, one at 3, one at 6 and one at 9 ) pick up your trot and trot them as many times as you want count the striding between each one and try to get it consistant. Then move on up to canter. You'll be doing all of this in your 2 point (it's great for the abs and if the hrose jumps big you'll need all the muscles in you tummy u can get!) When you can get an even pace throughout the whole exersize at trot and canter put them up to caveleties and then once they are masters you should be fine to jump anything. Just remember to stay forward and out of his way so that you don't catch his mouth. good luck :)

[kedwards]

If you want to set up a set of trot rails to a trot jump, a standard distance for most horses is about 4'6" between each trot pole (with 3 or 4 poles), then 9' to a cross-rail. If you are going through that smoothly in trot and are ready to add a canter fence, place it about 18' from the x-rail (assuming you are still trotting into the grid and x-rail).