Jumping-cantering problems?

Question

my 4 yr old paint can jump 2 foot. i have seen it and have been on him while he does it. for a while he has been pinning his ears back at the canter like he is really mad. we got him checked by the vert and farrior and he is fine. and when he goes over any size jump, he either plows through them, go around, or break into a trot. i am getting tired of him pinning his ears back and i want him to stop that and the jumping problem.

These pictures were takin b4 he started the ear thing

http://s328.photobucket.com/albums/l326/ALEXISx2BEANZFALON/?action=view&current=IMG_0330.jpg

http://s328.photobucket.com/albums/l326/ALEXISx2BEANZFALON/?action=view&current=thuderring.jpg

Answer 1

Have you had your saddle fit checked? It might be causing him discomfort when jumping in some way. The saddle you have on him in the pictures looks to be somewhat tipped forward.  As you mentioned, he is only 4, which means he is probably still growing and filling out, which means the way his saddle fits may change.

If the saddle fit is fine, I suspect you have a training issue. I am guessing he has not been formally trained to jump by a professional? Are you working with a trainer? If not, you need to stop trying to fix him yourself and find a trainer to work with. This is a young horse and you appear to be somewhat of an intermediate rider, I think you will be much happier if a skilled professional fixes your "basics" for you. Please don't take this as an insult! Working with green horses is very difficult and can be quite frustrating, even for people who do it on a regular basis.

Answer 2

your horse hasnt got a problem, him putting his ears like that means he is either listening to what ur telling him or he is just relaxed and doing as he is told. the jump problem just needs working with. try lunging him over jumps or put more interesting jumps up, the reason for him knocking the jumps out could be that he is bored with the smaller jumps and needs something higher or needs something more to think about. your horse sounds like he is good at jumping and just needs a chance to show you that he can do it. give him something bigger or harder to jump and im sure he will love you for it. also try to relax abit more on him, you might find he works better with you relaxed. good luck

Answer 3

young horses have big attititudes

if he is pinning his ears, but not disobeying you, then he's probably just in a bad mood, doesn't like to canter, or upset

these things usuallly occur due to rider fault, like rought hands (your hand look harsh in the second picture...make sure you put your hands forward when asking for hte canter.), or kicking him uncomforatably...which it looks like you're doing in the first pic

of course a 4 yr old, and any horse for that matter, will try to go around or refuse a jump... the plowing through it is more of a young, inexperienced horse habit.  

Try doing small, low gymnastics to control his speed and jumping, and always make him halt and backup after a jump/line.   if he runs out to one side, use your leg on that side and if needed hold a crop on that shoulder.

be soft with your aids especialy at the canter

good luck