Jumping to the side

[Daffy Dilly]

I've noticed it particularly with crosses - Daffy jumps to the higher side. I was under the impression that they jumped the lowest bit, but I wonder if the lowest bits on the heights we've been doing have been too low for him to see well.

So, I realise that you can put up a parallel, and then put two poles coming out from the centre in an upside down V to encourage the horse into the centre. Can you do this with a crosspole or is that beginning to over complicate things? Pony is still a novice, and I haven't quite gotten to grips with my jumping again yet, so trying to get leg and rein on isn't quite enough at the moment. ;)

[skye06]

My youngsters generally do this till they are used to jumping cross poles. If you think about how a fence disapears from view the cross in middle will disappear first so the last thing the horse sees is the higher side and will jump that out of self preservation. Not a fact just a thought and experience from my own lot. Others may have better explanations.

[Mehitabel]

befopre trying the V things, i'd get jumping straightbars and spreads and courses and see if it still happens. i wouldn't worry yet, especially given the two of you are still green at jumping.