22 August 2008 16:40
My TB mare was a nervous jumper when she came to me, but we made good progress until my friend rode her – my friend’s more heavy-handed and my mare threw her twice. How can I rebuild my mare’s confidence? She has a fantastic jump and I’d love to compete her.
Answer
By Your Horse
Show jumper and Trainer Carol Mailer replies:
AConcentrate on regaining the mare’s confidence, so when you ask her to jump she’s obedient and cooperative because she trusts you.
Do plenty of gridwork, so that going forward over whatever’s in front of her is second nature. See Your Horse issues 278, 279, 280, and 281 for gridwork exercises.
Here are some tips:
● Gridwork allows you to gradually increase the size of the fences. If she gets worried, just drop back down to the previous exercise again.
● Be very positive and introduce her to tiny fillers, even a single plank, until she understands that if she goes forward from your leg, she will be OK.
● It’s going to be a gradual process, and you’ll be helped by training with an instructor who will understand your mare’s hang-ups. You both need encouraging, not bullying, and the right sort of help on the ground will bring you both on tremendously.
● Be patient and persistent and your progress will be steady and rewarding.