Tips for jumping at the posting trot?

Question

I just started to jump small cross poles today at the trot. I have found a soloution to the problem of my horse running to the side of the fence, as well as her going back to the walk. All these things seem to be working, but I wanted multiple opinions.

The fence is along one wall of the indoor arena, and on the opposite wall I start to trot. I aim for a fast, energetic, but long strided trot. Usually when I feel the horse wants to 'run out' instead of jumping the fence, I will make her trot faster and put more contact on a shortened rein.

Also, when she is finished the jump, she will usually go into a walk and halt shortly after (without my aids), so I click with my tounge and urge her on with my leg aids. Then we will continue to trot to the other side of the arena and jump again.

Do you think this is going to continue to work? Am I using the right techniques? I would like some pointers on both before jumping and after. Thanks, everybody!

Answer 1

First problem

First of all your solution for keeping her from running to the side is not going to work for long. first warm her up then have a friend or instructor set up the x or cross once again against the wall but only on one side of the ring just to experiment and  lean a pole on an angle against the standard that is on the inside of the ring and depending on which direction you are going kick her side with your right or left leg and pull the reign with the opposite hand and that will keep her from running to the side!    (but if this works for you and your horse you are welcome to put up as many jumps like this as you want)  

****When you start using this technique you may want to try and set the x at a very low height since it is something new to both you and your horse.****      

Second problem

So when she finishes the jump you are using the right technique.So then when you get to the other side of the arena use the exact same set-up and technique as the first jump. And if this does not work the first time trust me when my instructer showed me this i didnt get it the first time either but just keep practicing and you will get better!

Best of luck!!

Answer 2

that sounds like the correct thing to do but when you practice make sure she is about to slow down before giving her the clicking to make sure she doesnt canter.

Answer 3

A fast, long strided trot is likely to be a flat trot. You would be better to steady her and go for impulsion rather than speed. Keep your leg on, keep the contact, but don't push for speed. Ride from leg to hand. You need to address why your horse doesn't want to jump - have you had her back, teeth, saddle etc. checked? When you are sure that there are no physical problems then you need to address the reason. Keeping her trotting after the fence is a good idea, you need to make sure she does what you want her to do, not what she pleases. Feel free to email more details of your horse's problem to [e-mail] and I can probably help you. I have a lot of experience with horses like this, I also have an Advanced NC in Horse Mgt. including jumping etc. =]

Answer 4

As for the 'running out' part:  as you're apporaching the jump...sit back and up over your seatbone and don't lean too early...keep your riens at a length at which they would be as if you were cantering...STAY THE SAME...if the problem proceeds, you may want to try to put another rail on the side of the jump to keep your horse from running out.

Stopping after the jump: as your leaving the ground, add moree leg the same until after your horse has got as far away from the jump as you would like.

Hope this helped!...good luck :)

Answer 5

I think you're on a good start and that's what i had to do with my gelding before we actually started the real jumping stuff. Just make sure you don't get big headed about making it over if your horse starts to get good because that's when they refuse a lot or at least mine does.

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Answer 6

You have the right idea but if she resits jumps that  NOT safe so you might can  use a crop DON'T hit her with it just let her know you have it by rubbing it along her side that makes them speed up though so she might canter away. Meaning she trots the jumps ends in a canter but also at the end of a jump like when you get her front legs over the jump sqeeze a little bit don't 2-point too early either or she'll slow down or speed up depending on the horse if she speeds up sink ALL your wieght  into your heels. but don't look down look straight ahead. That's all the advice I have also don't be nervous just have fun!

Answer 7

you don't necessarily want a fast trot, just an energetic one.

when you click your tounge, use your leg before you do, because if she doesn't slow down, she could canter.

and, i don't know if you need this, but when you are about 3 strides away from the jump, sit the trot. it has always worked for me because if you are out of the saddle when you approach the jump, you will be off balance. but now that i am cantering courses, i don't need that as much.

Answer 8

I agree with Midnight_ashes, an energetic trot is better than a fast flat one.  Also, make sure that you are not leaning too far forward before the jump, as this can make a horse want to refuse, since you're unbalanced.  And you should make sure that you are not shortening the reins too much, she will need to use her head as the jumps get bigger, and you need to practice proper releases now.  I would suggest reading some jumping books, start with george Morris, he has great instruction.