Horse jumping problem?

Question

ok my horse has no problem with the jumping part (i started with free jumping and ground poles) but she slows down right before the jump and usually knocks the rail down. idk how to fix it.

anyone have any tips.. thanks. i'm thinking i might have to go back to basics with her.

Answer 1

solid fences for practice

Answer 2

It sounds like the horse is not sure of the rider or the riders ability.  It can also be a balance issue.

Try putting weight on the saddle, make sure you secure it really good.  Put your horse though his paces on a lunge line with the waited saddle and see what happens.

If he does fine.  Switch back and forth -- lunge with weighted saddle then with rider.

Note to Rider;  You must see the successful jump from start to finish in your head before you do it.  It only takes a subtle change in the saddle to change the horses balance and focus.

After doing the above and she is still having trouble -- you believe she is actually "lazy".  Do the procedure above, have some one you trust on the lunge line encouraging the horse over the jumps -- While you are in the saddle.  Have them lunge without you first to develop a working relationship with your horse.  This will help change the muscle memory that has been developed.

Answer 3

give her a few kicks as ur start jumping and befre.

Answer 4

She might feel over faced when she has a rider. Lower to jumps and see how it goes.

Since she just does this with a rider it might not be her. You might be nervous about jumping and encouraging her to back off without realizing it. You might also be doing something (jumping ahead, falling behind, catching her mouth, ect) that is worring her before the jump. I would go back to both of your basics and see how it goes. No one (or horse) is ever to good to not go back to basics. good luck with her!