Left Behind......

[Mazpup]

When I jump I often get left behind, and although I generally let the reins slip, I sometimes end up accidentaly pulling the horse. I have the problem with 1 horse cos what happens is she fefuses, I nearly fall off, so then I get reluctant don't lean foward enough (scared of cummin off!) so then I get accindetaly left behind, pull the horse slightly in the mouth, then the next time horse jumps higher to avoid me (and the movement of me getting left behind) so I get left behind more. This tends to happen more when going over more than one fence especially doubles etc.
I know this is kinda confusing but I'm looking for some experienced advice. It doesn't just happen on the one horse, this is an example, and it is the worst that happens.
Sry if u don't understand me!

[Piaffe]

The more you think 'the horse isn't going to jump' the worse it will get!! The horse will feel your anxiety and more often than not will NOT jump!! I've done this!!

You really need 'confidence' when going towards the jump - plenty of leg, lean forward (slightly earlier if you prefer) and when landing, don't sit up straight away - keep your bottom out of the saddle a little - use your knees to absorb the shock, then once the horse has done a couple of strides after landing, sit back into the saddle.

Most of all, you have to BELIEVE the horse will jump - it would be a good idea to have jumping lessons on a schoolmaster, who you know will jump - you then won't have that fear that the horse is going to stop at the fence.

Hope this helps!

[Sharon H]

I can vaguely remember at Pony Club, in my dim and distant youth(!) doing an exercise which basically consisted of jumping a line of small jumps that were sort of 'boxed in' with pole along the sides and we had to jump them with the reins knotted and our arms crossed, no contact on the reins at all. It is a good exercise for learning to control speed and direction and jumping position without danger of hurting the horses mouth.
As Piaffe says, you really need confidence that your horse will jump, any hesitation on your part will make it stop. My advice would be to practise on small jumps that you know the horse will do, even if they are only 6" off the ground and build up from there.

[Mazpup]

Thanx for the help. i want to move riding school as I'm not very sure about my school. Thanx 4 the tips, keep them cummin!

[bettina1270]

Ok, first of all, you should try and get your confidence back. Ride a total jumping schoolmaster, one that won't refuse or run out, and do some trotting over low crosspoles. Then you can try a grid, maybe trotting poles before 3 low crosspoles with a bounce in between then a stride to a vertical. Over the trotting poles, practice your jumping position and keep it all throughout the exercise. Give your horse enough slack to do his job comfortably. When you're doing these exercises well, ask your instructor to lunge you at a canter over a low vertical with your reins knotted... that way you can't hurt your horse if you get left behind. I can't assure you that these exercises will solve your problem, but they'll surely help you out steadily! Good luck!

[Maci]

First, start with low fences or even ground poles so you can re-establish your balance and harmony. Try to think of when you feel the horse rise up, let yourself be risen with him also. Try to go with the flow (easier said than done...trust me)! ;) As for the pulling, try to slacken your contact a bit, and make sure you're using some form of crest release.

*Remember, the more you practice and do it, the more natural it becomes!

Good Luck!
Maci :)