I jump a line with a horse the horse always speeds up in between How can I slow it down???

Question

My instructor tells me not to pull on the reins when I'm in the middle of a line, so how am I supposed to slow down? Some horse go really fast in between.

Don't tell me don't pull on the reins or pull. That doesn't help.

by the way I ride english.

Answer 1

sit deeply in the saddle, and lean backwards SLIGHTLY. do not get into your 2-point before you get to the jump (i.e. in the middle of the line) make sure you're not gripping with your calves, either. this will urge your horse on and cause him/her to speed up. hope this helps!

Answer 2

The rushing could be your horse getting anxious, or it could be you signaling him that YOU are anxious. Your reins are telegraph lines of communication. Think quiet.Start off by walking the line with the poles on the ground. Keep you and your horse quiet. Then trot. Over and over. Posting. Two-Point. Over and over. Sit quiet. Then canter. Lastly do small (1') crossrails. You may be signaling your horse to get excited by jumping ahead of your horse. Being quiet is the hardest thing to do. Follow his mouth with your elastic arms and close your hip angle til you land and take a stride, then sit up again, organize, and take the next one. But sit quiet and let him do his job and stay out of his way. He will take care of you if you let him. Remember, you are the other half of an athletic team.

Answer 3

i'm not saying to PULL on the reins, i'm saying to squeeze and use half halts on every stride through the line. keep your reins tight. and sit down hard in your seat and squeeze your thighs.

Answer 4

do a half halt or circle the horse around until it realizes that you would like it to do. remember, an adult horse has the average mind of a 3 year old child. break things down