01 September 2008 15:02
I have an eight-year-old Thoroughbred x who shies away from the jumps at shows. Even at home he likes to look at a jump first but, once he’s gone over it, he will do so again and again. He’s got lots of scope and is fit and sound and seems to enjoy jumping. We’re only attempting 2ft 6in and under.
I know he is capable of more but I don’t want to overface him.
We’ve been together two years and have a good relationship. Any advice would be much appreciated.
Answer
By Your Horse
Show Jumping Rider and Trainer Carol Mailer advises:
I assume that, when you say your horse shies at the jumps, you mean that he spooks and runs out to the side. You have to think about why he does this, but the simple answer is – because he can!
I don’t think you’re doing much wrong as you are sensibly working on the problem at home. So you must alter the circumstances and be far more positive in insisting that he stays straight.
Your steering will be easier the slower you go. If he’s doing trotting poles nicely, add a jump at the end of the line and stay in trot. Keep altering the jump, keeping it small enough to jump from a standstill. Give him nooptions. At the size you are jumping, you should be able to give him enough leg to encourage boldness.
Are you giving your rein away when you think he’s about to take off? Hold on to your contact all the way and don’t be forward yourself. If he shies out the same side each time, you must build a grid against a fence to prevent this. If you haven’t got a suitable fence to work along, hire somewhere that has. It will be worth it.
Get him going over the middle of cross-poles, then place very small fillers in different places on the grid. Make them small enough so you don’t have to turn away for another go if he stops. As long as your steering is okay, he will realise that he has no option but to stay straight.