Had a fight with my horse today ,what should i do tomorrow to fix it?

Question

He kept refusing a jump. Swinging out at the last moment, its the same jump he clear yeaterday no issues so not sure what his issue is (2feet , 60cm ish ) . Anyway i didnt have a crop so i smacked him with the tip of my rein on the shoulder. But the buckle must have caught him straight on because them it made a bump. I felt so guilty i could die, he was sweaty and upset, my head wasnt in it anymore and i couldnt win. So i called it a day.

now tomorrow im not sure what would be the best follow up on today's absolute failure

1) just hack out relaxed
2) do some groundwork and free jumping to build self confidence
3) do another jumping session but keep to lower jumps and poles
4) just flatwork

PS: he is definately pissed off with me.

he is a 7yr old ottb, does have a slightly nappy and pushy personality but i dont think that had anything to do with today, or it might... I dont know, it was a terrible end to a session and i feel very wrong so what do you think i should do tommorow to fix this?

Answer 1

Go for a hack tomorrow, don't jump again for another few days.



As for the incident any time there is a problem like that you should always try to end on a good note, even if you just go over a small cross pole or even a walk around the field to cool down and make big of him when he does as asked, otherwise he's won that battle.

As for jumping in general, try not to jump the same fence all the time and not one day after another. I know you probably don't jump everyday but horses and especially a smart TB can quickly cop on to the routine or become bored so you need to vary it and make it more interesting for them. Also if he has a scopey jump he may not find that height much of a challenge either, some horses won't make an effort until they can really make a shape over the fence, that's not to say he should refuse the fence either.



Work on flat work and ground poles or hack for the next couple of days. The next time you jump maybe have a trainer help you.

Answer 2

It's funny how you blame him for yesterday's performance but you think by doing something different today, it will suddenly become better.



What happened yesterday, as any experienced horseman knows, was the rider's fault. Your approach could have been wrong or lacked impulsion, horse could have been sore, could have been a shadow laying in front of the jump, you left a 'window' open out of which he was allowed to run, eetc.



Since none of us saw yesterday's ride, we cannot give you any good advice for what to do today. I certainly don't recommend you resort to a crop or end or reins for that matter.



What you need is a trainer who can supervise you and give you GOOD advice specific to your situation. What you do NOT need is to address jumping again, for what would be a third (?) day in a row. Matter of fact, if you're jumping 2 days in a row, THAT would be reason enough for a sweet horse to become sour. There's no reason in god's green earth to jump more than twice a week.



So, my advice is; go out for a nice hack with friends in a different area from where you've been drilling him over fences. And DONT jump for at least a month. I suspect your horse is partly sour, partly sore, and partly suffering from an overzealous inexperienced rider.



And, treats and apples and pats and hugs do nothing for training. It may help create a bit of a warm fuzzy feeling between you and the horse, but it certainly does zilch to resolve any issues you're having while riding.

........................

YOU GO FOR A HACK TOMORROW AND THE NEXT DAY!!!!!



Sounds like, even tho' you're having problems you don't know how to fix, you're STILL he11bent on jumpjumpjumpjumpjumpjumpjumping. You've ALREADY 'left it on a bad note", so torturing your horse by trying to jump again tomorrw, THE THIRD DAY IN A ROW, would just reinforce that jumping is a BAD EXPERIENCE AND BURN HIM OUT.



Fertheloveofallthat'sholy... You ASKED advice. You GOT sound advice. If you're NOT WILLING to take the advice, by all means, continue to jump and push your horse toward a goal you are obviously not prepared to bring him toward. And deal with the consequences on your own.



Excuses don't change facts. Take a break from jumping or risk souring him.



Your choice.

Answer 3

I hate it whenmy mare gets in a mood with me, the next day I just go to her giving her lots of cuddles (becfore I put her halter on) and stroaking her loads, even though she doesn't want to and. He may push you Away but keep on doing it, give him loads of attention. Then when you've got him out give him a small bucket maybe a small hand ful of food and a apple and pat him when you give it too give, then take him on a relaxed hack! Don't do jumping again or somewhere where he's enclosed! A relaxed hackis always perfect! And no telling him off! Then when you get back give him a pat anD a anothEr apple, make a fuss over him! Works for me :p

Answer 4

Get some vinegar and rub a bit on his snout so he can focus.

Answer 5

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