Showjumping problems?? Clever people- horse trainers/riders?? Please help!!!?

Question

I have a 17.1hh 9yr old gelding who is good in all respects but when showjumping is not careful. He jumps anything you ask him to but just touches it slightly because he doesn't snap his legs up, no matter how big it is (even 5ft). This means that I never get a clear round which is soooo annoying as he can do it and is amazing at jumping! What could I do to correct this problem as it would get him very far? Please please please help I don't know what to do!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

Try a local hunter pace or point to point.  They are basically trail rides but with fences, ur horse may just be ring sour and would open up on the trails with other horses.  Besides hunter paces are soooooo fun.  A show but ur competing against yourself it based on distance and time, not on what the judges think of you.  I love them.

Answer 2

i don't no whether you have tried this but about a stride before the jump give him a big kick to make pick up

hope this has been some help

x*x

Answer 3

You could try taking him hunting.  We had a young mare who showed no respect to showjumping fences, often running right through them.  She was taking hunting just two or three times and this sharpened her up no end - she tried running through a few hedges but soon learnt that they don't fall down!

There are quite a few "old-fashioned" methods you could use, but many of these are barbaric - hanging

"lead bracelets" around his fetlocks, etc, but I wouldd certainly never recommend this.

Try taking him to a clinic with a local showjumping trainer and see what they suggest, I am sure this is quite a common problem.

Answer 4

I had a horse like this 10 years ago.  I am an eventer so I couldn't keep her.  Then she was at one of my competions and beat me on her dressage score of 27!  I asked the owner how he did it and he said he took her out hunting.  Do you use boots on him?  Try tendon boots.  They may not work though.  Try the hunting or some hardcore cross-country schooling!

Answer 5

I agree with taking your horse hunting.  Just make sure that your horse is all right around hounds.  Try contacting the Master of a local hunt and getting permission to go out for hound exercise.  This is just a walk/trot with hounds and puppies and should give an indication of how your horse will behave with hounds.  If everything is fine, try hunting in the fall.

Answer 6

Does the "skimming" Knock the pole(s) down?