I have a pony club test coming up where I need to jump 2’6… I know it doesn’t sound that high but I’m not used to jumping over 2’3.
I have jumped it, but I chicken out almost every time, because I can’t stop thinking that something’s going to go wrong. My horse used to have a refusal problem, and even though we fixed it I’m paranoid he’ll refuse at the last second.
Any tips for becoming more confident jumping higher?
I have around a month before the test, I’m hoping. We still don’t have our date.
I think what you problem is that you are thinking to much about the height of the jump. It is only 3 inches different just think of that. If your horse can jump 2`3 then he can jump 2`6. Keep on thinking along the lines of what i just said and you will be fine. Also when you are riding just think that you will go over the jump and you probably will.As far as riding : sit deep and push your horse forward through the legs, dont look directly at the jump look a little bit ahead of it and you should be fine! Hope this helps and like i said dont think about the height it is the least of your worries! 
#1 by Sarah Z on September 2nd, 2009
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My old horse used to do the same thing and moving up higher scared me to for a little while. What i did though was went in the ring thinking that no matter what i was going to make her go over the jump, even if it ment me getting left behind haha. I would try just going to the jump and sitting as deep and straight as you can, so if they do stop youll be ready. Also just think that they’re lifting their legs up just a few inches higher then 2’3, and think more about whats inbetween the jumps then the jumps.
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#2 by aliceson on September 2nd, 2009
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the same thing happens to me! my horse refuses almost every jump and i fall off almost every time. just laugh it off and dont get mad. if your shaken up take a minute and tell urself that you are an amazing rider and you can do it!
restart lower and build it up from there, even in one round. have sum1 raise the jump for you. start at 18 in then 2 ft then 2’3 then 2’6 and higher if you want. make sure not to look at the jump when approaching it. it makes your horse stop.
if you arent used to the jumping height, dont do the test. how long do you have? if it is like a month or two, do a lot of jumping practice and building up the height. gridwork really adds to your skills.
practice a lot with your horse so that you know what he is going to do. keep your legs on and urge him forward. after you jump make a big fuss over him so he knows he made you happy.
i feel like such a hipocrite! im telling you all this and i dont do it myself, even though i should….
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#3 by jhracehorses on September 2nd, 2009
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To my common sense, I feel that you only have the test date permenently stamped in your mind. You need to take it easy and relax yourself to start enjoying the pony club. If you aren’t ready, it’s O.K.
When I started jumping my ex-racehorse, he would clear anything that was in the arena. Even turned out he liked jumping obstacles.
But,myself,I had ridden horses in every which way but, jumping over jumps I felt strangely uncomfortable. I chose the only approach I could understand. Little by little, I took time to "go with the horse".. We learned to work as a team. What caused your horse to spook before? Did you "fix" your horses problem with him. If he seems to go willingly,start small jumps and gradually he will train right with you to the height you need..And, you will feel paranooia go away.
Good-Luck
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Retired womens racehorse jockey
#4 by Greg B on September 2nd, 2009
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Remember that it does not make a hill of beans difference to the horse whether that jump is 2’3" or 2’6".
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#5 by Brittany on September 2nd, 2009
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I think what you problem is that you are thinking to much about the height of the jump. It is only 3 inches different just think of that. If your horse can jump 2`3 then he can jump 2`6. Keep on thinking along the lines of what i just said and you will be fine. Also when you are riding just think that you will go over the jump and you probably will.As far as riding : sit deep and push your horse forward through the legs, dont look directly at the jump look a little bit ahead of it and you should be fine! Hope this helps and like i said dont think about the height it is the least of your worries!
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experience
#6 by Horse Lover on September 2nd, 2009
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Keep practising, everyday if you can, and don’t get too scared and nervous bcoz horses can feel that and they will get scared too.
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