Answer

By Your Horse

Dressage Rider and Trainer Claire Lilley replies:

I think the answer is to go back to basics and reschool your horse. Have you tried jumping him on the lunge over a small fence to see how he copes without a rider? Use a lunge cavesson, not a bridle, so youdon’t inadvertently catch him in the mouth. If you don’t know how to do this, find a reputable trainer who can help.
If your horse has a good jumping technique, then you have to improve your riding. Take everything calmly and slowly, making sure your transitions are effective. You should be able to stop your horse by sitting tall, firming your back and stomach, and closing your thighs, knees and calves. If you are using the reins as brakes you will have the problems you describe.
Try to keep a steady bit contact – if you can’t feel him chewing quietly, your rein aids are too strong. If your horse pulls, you must hold your position and reins firmly – this is ‘holding’ as opposed to ‘pulling’. If you are holding, you will be able to soften the reins and you and your horse will remain balanced. If you are pulling, you will lose balance and the horse will pull even more. Remember it takes two to pull.
I favour a training bit, which is double-jointed with a lozenge in the middle. I’d advise trying this.