Why wont ma horse lift his legs up when jumping??

Question

i need help

sum weeks he is fast 2wards jumps ,overtimes he is relay slow?

he doesn't care when he knocks the jumps with his legs!???

why wont he pick hes feet up??

how do i get him 2 pick his feet up??

Answer 1

First make sure you can properly work him on the flat, and get him round.

When he is round he is paying attention to you and his body.

I would recommend open front boots. When he knocks a pole he will feel it and should want to pick up his feet next time.

Gymnastics are one of the best ways to teach a horse to pick up his feet and to balance him self correctly. make sure you start small like with a bounce or a one stride with crossrails and gradually increase with improvement

*and in the response to the person above me. I would not recommend digging your heels into his sides to make him jump. That would irritate him and could cause him to be pissy and refuse. Use your leg aids properly about twice and if he doesn't respond then reinforce with a tap of the crop on his haunches*

Answer 2

maybe he wasnt taught properly? or just lazy? remember not to jumpp EVERY day, that could be making him slow...you know, being over worked.

first i would make sure he is collected on his flat work..walk, trot, canter (consistent on his gaits)

i would try small jumps first..everytime he goes over and doesnt knock..PRAISE him!!! to get him to not knock the jumps use your legs to SQUEEZE..if that doesnt work dig your heels into him when he takes off over the jump. i would use a crop as your last resort, along with leg aids. dont worry my horse was the same way, with lots of work he will stop :)

good luck!!