horse stops after jumping

Question
Hello Dorothy,

I am a beginner rider (less than 2 years experience)and recently started a jumping lesson. A horse which I am currently riding (a school horse) is a very young stallion (4 years old), size of a double pony and has been trained as a dressage horse but has no experience in jumping. But he seems to be enjoying jumping and he does not refuse or stop before the fence.

The problem is he sometimes stops after jumping and I fall off. I think a more common problem is that a horse stops before the fence or bolts after jumping. But I have hardly heard of the problem like this.

When it happened first time, I thought it was because he was not used to jump. But it happened to me again and with another girl, she fell off twice in one lesson because of that (I think she is also a beginner). I do not think he does this with the trainer or advanced riders.

Is it a question of a lack of rider's skill which makes him stop or is he playing and trying to shake off the beginner riders? How can I prevent him from doing that?

I have not yet mastered the timing of balancing back after jumping and I am leaning forward a bit when he lands. If I quickly recover to the sitting position, can I avoid falling off even he does this?

I do not know exactly when he stops but I think one or two steps after jumping. When it happened last time, it was 90 cm with canter, after several jumps with lower fence.

I started horse riding at the age of over 30's so I just to want to enjoy horse riding safely and want to experience some jumping but not too high.

Thank you very much for your advice.
Best regards,

June

Answer
Hello June,

The instructor is at fault here.  Stallions should not be used for lessons unless they are so well trained and so mild mannered and willing that no one is ever in danger.  This is not the case here. This pony is not at suitable for any but experienced riders of the Intermediate level or above to ride, much less use for a lesson.  Your instructor is negligent at best and if she were in the US of A, she would be liable for her actions in putting you at such risk.

My advice that I give unequivocally is that you not ride that pony again. Whether he stops before, after, or on top of the fence should not be your concern at this point.  You should be on a willing, easily handled, well trained school horse that will enable you to develop your seat, balance and use of aids so that in the future you will be able to correct a horse like the pony.  But not now...no way!  I would also recommend that you find another stable to ride from.  I know it may be difficult, but look for anyone connected with a chapter of the International Pony Club.  If you have difficulty, let me know and I will track someone down where you live.

By the way, what is a double pony.

Best wishes,
Dorothy