my horse is afraid of some of the larger jumps, like in traiing level cross country which is 3' 3" about. he doesnt have any problems or anything, but he just gets intimitaded of the big jumps, but i know that he can jump them at home and places he has been before, but new jumps just scare him, and i cant sell him just yet, what can i do to help him not be so afraid of the jumps?
2006-12-01 07:26:47 · 4 answers · asked by d 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Horses respond to what we do, and though you may not be scared of the jump, there is probably somthing you're doing that is causing him to waver. Yes he will be scared of something new and big, but if you have the proper seet, leg, and hand he should go no problem. Start working with a trainer so that there is someone watching from the ground that could see what you might be doing before the jumps. At home set up some crazy jumps. Use anything that you can find(safely). Try to recreate a jump that you would normaly have this problem at and just work at it. If you are confident and he trusts you, he'll jump the moon for you. Just be patient with him. Eventually schedule a trip with him, no show or anything, just find a xc course somewhere near you and haul him there for some work. You will learn how not to scare him, and he will learn that he can trust you. Best of luck
2006-12-01 07:34:16 · answer #1 · answered by auequine 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am with aequine on this. You are probably transferring your anxieties about his lack of courage when faced with new big jumps at different courses. Put up as many big jumps as you can, add flower boxes, bits of astroturf, bundles of sticks, anything that makes the jump look odd and different. If possible grab a friend and their horse and see if you can use any of the facilities in your area where there is a cross country course or some colourful show jumps. You both will be relaxed when it is not an event but rather just a fun couple of hours. We had a talented pony that we eventually quit taking to rallies becasue she became so uptight. To the point where she would not even drink when at an event. She went onto a useful life as pony club school master. Taught many a child rider the ins and outs of cross country fences but in the safety and comfort of her own stable. Persevere. Your horse will probably overcome his fears.
2006-12-01 15:56:22 · answer #2 · answered by digitsis 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This horse sounds like a fantastic animal! However, he does have the problem you mentioned. I recently had the same problem with a Norweigion Fjord of mine. He eventually overcame his problem with more practice and experience. I did diffent things to the larger jumps while I practiced them at home. Such as, adding flowers to the base of the jump, tying ribbons or bows to the jump and making natural high jumps out of sturdy logs. Your horse is prabably just nervous around the new jumps. I have no doubt that his proplem will clear up.
2006-12-01 15:44:44 · answer #3 · answered by CL 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would use a crop with your horse because it tells him that it is ok and that he will not get hurt. I would also coach him with your voice. They really listen. I have used voice coaching with almost every horse that I have ridden and trust me, it really works. Good Luck with everything!
2006-12-01 16:13:42 · answer #4 · answered by equestrian6791 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋