Jumping with confidence

[ponies-R-gr8!!!]

Hiya, I was wondering if anyone could help me??? About a year or two ago i fell off whilst jumping a paralel 3ft jump! The crazy pony i was riding charged towards the jump and then decided to hop the other way leaving me shooting in the opposite direction!:eek: ! So now, even when i jump a less than a ft paralel jump my legs tense up and i loose my stirrups. I really dont want to be nervous of jumping cos i love it and want to take the ace pony i ride to sj comps:D cos hes just fab lol(even at 15 yrs he still wants to do everything!) So i was wondering if anyone had any tips for staying calm and how to re gain my confidence??????? please help!!!

[SA rider]

How about spending the best part of an hour doing tons tons of tiny jumps and have a friend standing ready to put them up (just a few holes at a time) when you become bored stiff with the little jumps. Really the only answer is to BUILD your confidence and not expect an instant result. Don't force yourself over anything too big, just build towards it again. Have lots of fun while you're at it.
Do practice jumps as often as you possibly can. My pal is a bit nervous of jumping and keeps leaving too long between her jump sessions so she's got herself in a state all over again. I keep saying to her that the only answer is do a bit of jumping EVERY SINGLE TIME, she rides, then it will begin to be less of a big deal.
Hey its ok to be nervous for a while after a fall, don't beat youself up about it, just have lots and lots of fun doing lots and lots of jumping (over smaller jumps) until you're gagging to get at something bigger!

[ponies-R-gr8!!!]

ok, thnx i will try tht! now ive just gotta find a willing friend...... lol:rolleyes:
Chica is gorgeous btw!

[lor]

I agree with above, jumping 6" well is better than jumping anything bigger badly! I found grid work very helpful. Make sure you get help from someone who knows what they are doing, ie paces and height appropriate for your situation. Grids really build confidence for both pony and rider.

[jenren!!]

Take it slowly, dont put pressure on yourself and keep smiling :). Try relaxing techniques and keep breathing. Just start with poles first, and work your way up - good luck!

Jenny xx

[BeachRiding]

You will get better with more experience and time! Jump as much as possible on low jumps.

[ponies-R-gr8!!!]

Thanks everyone for your replies:D ! i did some pole work today and on friday i am going to jump some very small jumps doing gridwork! and yesterday i bought a body protector lol..:rolleyes: ..just in case we have any accidents :rolleyes: but i doubt it over tiny jumps!