Beat
the clock Save seconds in a jump-off with our clever tips
Y
ou’ve cleared the first part of the showjumping course, which means you’ve made it into the jump-off – yay! Now all that stands between you and a rosette is clearing a few more fences and crossing the finish line in a super-quick time!
GET THE RHYTHM
pony and tte will go to the While the red rose round, it’s not e quickest clear rider who jump th If you go too da at’ll win the y. th d ee sp ily ar ss nece wn poles and it’ll likely to knock do fast you’re more s much better to smooth turns. It’ ways moving be harder to ride ythm, so you’re al rh t en ist ns co a stay in ed. pony stays balanc forward and your thout losing the wi er nt just his ca Being able to ad u can ask him to useful, too, so yo ke shorter rhythm is supereen fences or ta tw be e rid st s hi open up n practise this tight turn. You ca a in k ea sn to s step o poles, set 21m stride between tw by adjusting his ven for a pony). for a horse or se apart (five strides g strides Exercise 1: Makin poles in your e th 1. Ride over ping pony’s normal jum w ho t canter and coun s ke ta he many strides . em th between poles again, 2. Go over the m to but encourage hi 21m e by rid st s lengthen hi ur th yo squeezing him wi ke fewer ta ld ou sh He legs. e. strides this tim pony to take 3. Now ask your pushing by s ep st shorter contact him up to the rein ile wh with your legs, e, he should the reins. This tim gently squeezing les. es between the po put in more strid
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Top tip
The clock won’t stop until you’ve gone through the finish, so make sure you know where it is and keep riding forward after the last fence.
AMAZING ANGLES
You’ll save seconds by jumping on an angle and you can do it when it’ll help you get from one fence to the next more quickly. You should only jump uprights on an angle as oxers can be too wide. Practise at home, so your pony understands what you want him to do at a show. Exercise 2: Perfect your line
1. 2. 3.
4. 5.
Set up a small upright fence in the middle of the school. Jump the fence from a straight approach two or three times. Keeping the same canter rhythm, approach it on a slight angle. Aim for the centre of the fence, and keep your pony straight in his body. As he gets the hang of the exercise, you can gradually increase the angle. Have a go on the other rein.
Top tip
Try to watch a few competitors ride the jump-off before it’s your turn. This can help you spot a time-saving route that you can use in your own round.
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Happier
hacking Get to grips with hacking problems
G
oing for a fun hack is one of the most exciting things you can do with your fave pony. But if he’s super-spooky, develops a habit of turning for home sooner than you want to, or even refuses to leave the yard at all, it can make you worry about riding instead of looking forward to it. The good news is there are loads of things you can do to encourage your pony to love hacking as much as you do!
Nap time
A common hacking problem is napping, which is when your pony doesn’t want to go forward. It can happen in the school, too, or even when you’re leading your pony. He might stop and refuse to move, turn towards home or step backwards. In extreme cases, he might rear or reverse at high speed.
Top tip
If your pony naps, it’s a good idea to ask your instructor or a qualified equine behaviourist for help.
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EXAMINE THE EVIDENCE
There are a few reasons why a pony might be spooky or doesn’t want to go forward on a hack. He might... ● be in pain or discomfort If his feet or back are hurting, or his tack is pinching or rubbing him, he won’t enjoy being ridden ● be worried or fearful Maybe something frightened him on a previous hack and he’s worried about it happening again, such as being chased by livestock or spooked by a vehicle? ● lack confidence A pony who’s young or inexperienced may feel unsure about going out into the big wide world ● be reluctant to leave his pony pals Often, ponies can form a strong bond with a friend, and don’t want to be parted from them
HOOL BACK TO SC g sure your e time in the school makin
Spend som s and goes forward when pony responds to your aid way to do this is to ride you ask him to. The best in halt and ask him to lots of transitions. Start tle nudge with your gen a walk on by giving him rd straightaway, give legs. If he doesn’t go forwa Keep practising until he him a stronger squeeze. m the smallest leg aid, goes forward politely fro transitions. t then try some walk-tro r pony more responsive, you g kin As well as ma him focused on you, too. transitions can help keep out hacking to take his So, try riding some while ng. oki spo mind off napping or
First things first
The first thing to do is call your vet, so he can give your pony a thorough check-up, which should include examining his back and teeth. To make sure your pony’s tack isn’t causing the problem, book a visit from a qualified saddle fitter. Even if his saddle fitted last time it was checked, he could’ve changed shape due to losing or gaining weight or muscle. You should also ask someone experienced, such as your instructor, to check the fit of his bridle and bit, too.
Spend some time in the school making sure he responds to your aids
DO SOME SPOOKBUSTING
It’s a good idea to introduce your po ny to some of the po tentially scary thing s you might see on a hack in a safe environment, such as an arena. Then he won’t be so worried about them when you’re riding out. So , borrow some cone s, a bin, flags and ro ad signs and set th em out in the arena. W alk him near or ar ound them, but don’t ge t too close to them at first. Gradually mo ve closer, squeezing your pony with yo ur legs to encourag e him forward, and talking to him in a soothing voice.
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