Lesson HELP!!! Horse Jumps Too Big!

The horse I ride during my lessons every week always jumps too big. I have kind of gotten used to it but i am never really sure when she is going to jump very big or not. Ive fallen off 3 times because she jumps big and then freaks out for no reason. Ive told my parents and they think its because 3 girls are leasing her and she gets ridden a lot and sometimes she is just not in the mood to be ridden. They have also suggested for me to switch horses but I love her soooo much..... any suggestions?

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Dec 13, 2012
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Switching horses
by: Sara M.

I think you should switch horses, there are three other girls leasing her, I know it's hard, I had to go through it but when you do switch horses you will learn every horse is different, plus if she jumps too big and freaks for no reason, you should switch. She sounds like a good horse but I don't think she is a good lesson horse, also if she gets in a mood to where she doesn't want to be ridden, that could put you in danger because you never know what she could do, well you probably do but if I were you, I would switch horses. And I agree with your parents, the freaking part might be because of the way the other girls ride her.

Dec 09, 2012
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Help
by: Kendryl

Hi, i'm Kendryl but anyways i have a few tips to help you. First of all whatever you do don't purposely stop her in front of a jump because you think it might help to check herself, i know you might be ready for it cause you have planned it but the next time you do jump she might think you want her to stop again so she will refuse the jump and you will most likely end up on the ground. Just half halt her very lightly. Secondly if i were you i would do a join up with her, if you don't know what that is search Monty Roberts Join Up Demonstration. The join up will allow you two to bond together and trust each other. Thirdly she might be afraid of the jump so always let her be ok with the jump before you mount her, let her sniff the jump and then pick up one of the poles and move it around her, try to avoid the fancy jumps with all the flowers for deco. Fourthly you should find out what the other three girls are doing with her when they are riding her because that might be the reason. I can give you more tips but i have to go for now so good bye and good luck.

Apr 30, 2012
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Wait, what?
by: Sara

oK, i don't really get why 3 other girls are leasing this horse, along with you riding her in lessons, so that makes 4 different girls riding her at least once a week. If i were you, i would ask your lesson instructor or barn manager about that. Also, this horse's issue might be because of the 3 different girls riding her too, and that she is tired of being over-ridden. I'm not trying to be mean about it or anything, but to me it seems this horse is tired of being ridden all the time. Please don't be mad at me, I'm just trying to help you with this issue. Hope this helps! :)

Apr 07, 2012
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You could try...
by: Horseluver4evernever

Awwwww!!! Cute pony!!!! There's a pony at my barn that's like that so I was told to hold her back until the jump takeoff point. Or if you happen to be trotting into the j ump than go into half seat before it so your not taken out of the saddle suddenly. Then all you have to do is give her a little release.

Nov 04, 2011
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half halt!!
by: pony person

coming to the fence use half halts to balance her and keep her with you. when you get to the right take-of point squeeze hard with your legs.

hope this helps! pony person

(if you do not know what a half halt is ask your instructor)

Aug 05, 2011
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i cant remember how old this post is. oh well :)
by: Anonymous

maybe the horse is unsure or lacking confidence so needs more jumping work (more regularity and repetition) and or lunging over jumps...

you could also try more pole work so she learns that cantering too high over them just makes it harder and she has to keep a better rhythm..

maybe she is just very athletic and you should go down a notch and get something more experienced that can teach you without you having to be scared into doing it..

hope this helps :)

Jun 21, 2011
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i know !
by: Anonymous

i think you either should take your parents advice or just keep trying

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