jumper wont jump in show ring

Question
Hello, I have an interesting question, that I am hoping you can help me answer. About 3 years ago I purchased a t-bred off the track and he was 5 at the time. My trainer and I have retrained as a jumper. At home he is extremely willing to jump and will jump anything you put in front of him. However, when he gets into the show ring, he doesn't want to jump. Recently he has been stopping about 3-5 strides away from the jump and won't move. Last year we were able to find a professional to help us and the problem was going away. However, our professional broke his foot recently and my horse has regressed. I am not sure why he does this and he has no medical problems to cause him any pain. I love this animal and he is very talented, but after 3 years it has become very frustrating.
Thanks, Katie


Answer
Hi Katie!

I have had this problem myself.  My mare jumped well at home and never anywhere else.  I finally realized that she was a very nervous girl and that the high stress of shows was too much for her.  She was not young, actually your horse's age, but still very immature.

Keep working him at home and building his jumping confidence.  S-L-O-L-W-Y introduce him to new situations.  Put him in the trailer, take him to a show or show like place and let him get the feel of it.  Do not ask him to do anything that would stress him....no jumping!  Just hack him around a bit and end on a positive note.  He needs to understand that this is his job and it is not scary but, rewarding.  So, do nothing to scare him but, all the while push him gently to expand his horizons.  Only ask him to do what you know (with a 99% certainty) that he will do without freaking out...this applies to at home and away.

I think trail riding is a wonderful way to broaden a horse.  You can even jump little things while out to give him confidence.  He needs a combination of a firm hand and a soft word....it's a fine line to walk.  Some horses are worth it though.  Make sure you as his partner are asking him not sending him mixed signals from the saddle or the ground.  You must approach everything with a confident nonchalance that he sees and feels supported by.  Act like everything is fine, even when you may not be feeling it!  He needs you to be his rock and above all ~ be consistent.  He needs to know the outcome of all his actions and that he will be safe in the end...with treats  :-)

Back to my nervous mare...I took a season off with her and just built up her confidence.  She now is a perfect trail horse, foxhunts and jumps everything in the first field and gives a lead to the other horses when needed!  Time and patience helped us along.  And a crop when needed!  LOL!!

Good luck and remember to always wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet!