How Do You Jump On A Horse??

Question

Even though I'm not an adult, I'm a horse expert. I know all about them, but I'm not an expert at riding yet. I still don't know how to jump. I have a really nice horse, and he tries to please me, but sometimes I spook him. Once, I wasn't paying attention to what he was doing. He was eating, and I was trying to get him back into his stall. He wasn't supposed to, so I pulled hard to tell him that I was boss. He reared, thinking that he could do what he wished. Luckily, he didn't kick me. I had my mother and my teacher right behind him, so it was ok. But I'm a chicken. I'm afraid to jump after that accident. Sometimes he looks at me strangely, daring me to touch him. I know I have to be firm, but he can really scare me; even an adult. His ears go straight up. I'm not sure if thats daring me or being excited. Please give me some tips to not be afraid of him and to know I can ride him. It's very frightening, even for a horselover. Since it's winter, I don't take lessons. Please help!

Answer 1

Before you even begin to jump, you need lessons on the flat - walk/trot/canter.  Lots of poll work (trotting and cantering). Make sure you have a secure seat.  Take lessons!!  Find a trainer who will train you properly for jumping, otherwise you can get seriously hurt. Learning to jump a horse, without a trainer is dangerous!

Answer 2

Why are you working with or riding a horse that has a tendency to rear when asked to do something? That is behavior that could have gotten you KILLED, or at the very least, hospitalized for a very long time. You were a very lucky kid to keep from getting kicked in the head that day. You don't sound like an expert to me- you sound like a know it all, smart alecky kid with an attitude problem. I have to wonder where your mother was when all of this went down- and why she was letting you work with a horse that has some serious behavior issues . An animal like that belongs in the hands of a professional- not a kid who says she's an "expert". Your horse knows you are afraid of him now, and he also has figured out that he can take advantage of you- which is why he looks at you "funny" as you have said. My advice to you would be for you to take some lessons on another horse, and put your horse in a trainer's hands for a while. You also need to watch your attitude and LISTEN to what your instructor tells you. There is always more to learn in the horse business- no one is ever a true expert. As for your horse's ears being pricked up, that is usually a sign of interest or attention- which you would know if you had more experience with horses. When the ears go flat back, like they undoubtedly did when your horse reared, then THAT is a warning of aggression or fear. You need to take lots of lessons, and I would encourage you to read books on the subject- and there are lots of those out there. Your horse has also learned that he doesn't have to obey, because you won't-and can't punish him for disobedience. He knows he's bigger and stronger than you are, and he can- and will- HURT YOU. That's why letting him get away with rearing up like that was so stupid and dangerous. ( Not to mention that he could have KILLED or seriously injured himself- a horse that rears up and cracks his head on a roof beam or on the ceiling is a horse that may wind up eventually needing to be put down because of a broken skull or neck.)  Let this episode with your horse serve as a warning and a lesson to you. Put your horse in a professional's hands before it is too late, and take some lessons yourself !!! Do not even THINK about learning to jump until you have had lots of training in the basics. Good luck.

Answer 3

There are some fundamental important issues that need to be established for every horse person.

First, horses are heard mentality animals, meaning that they are always evaluating their position for dominance, you need to communicate that you are the head horse indefinitely!

Second, horses can sense emotion and integrity, your fear can either become their opportunity to challenge your dominance, as with rearing, or to stimulate their fear, you must establish an emotional bond with your horse during grooming and let the horse know not only are you in charge but you will protect it, think it, say it often.

Good horsemen ship is a ever evolving process of learning, understanding and patients. Dont confuse causing pain and discomfort as means of discipline and control, such has painful bits, restricting tack and saddles that dont fit properly.

Also when riding you should be able to give commands by subtle weight changes, leg and very little rein, the reins are for proper head position and detailed movement instructions not control!

When you become one mind with your horse it will know what you want and want to give it to you because of love not fear!

Answer 4

sounds like you are nowhere near being ready to jump.  you need to concentrate on flatwork for now, and SUBTLY showing your horse who's boss.  Have your trainer keep the horse on the lunge line while you work on the walk, trot, and possibly canter.  You need to get back to basics, as in getting a positive response and trust from your horse.  Ask your trainer to help you with this.  Good luck, and be patient.