At 23:07:53 on 03.10.10, DracoMegan wrote:
I have an amazing OTTB who can have an awesome jump, our biggest problem though is knocking poles down. As soon as we get into the jump off where we have to go just that little bit faster he just totally loses it and drags his legs through the fences. This is really ennoying as he could be such a superstar, any suggestions ??

At 23:35:21 on 03.10.10, JessAndGrenville123 wrote:
Yeah it sounds as though you are pushing your horse into a flat stride. Keep a hold of your horse so you are not flat but push on to get speed and impulsion instead of flat out gallops. Also when there is big gaps between two fences i really push for top speed and 3 strides out i give a half halt to sit my horse back into a bouncy stride so he doesn't knock the jump. Good luck perfecting your speed technique. Practice over courses of poles on the floor first :) it helps lol

At 00:02:03 on 04.10.10, ToriSilverson wrote:
i agree with jess :) u could also try making sure he is supple so that he can make tight turns and keep his balance. make sure when you ask him to go faster you dont flap around as this may unbalance him. it might also be a confidence thing so practise jump offs at home for fun :)

At 00:26:21 on 04.10.10, kibby wrote:
The best way to get a good jump off is to cut corners rather then go fast but jess is completely right, you need to half halt to get him sitting back.. never take the jump at the speed your on the flat.. good luck..

At 22:00:12 on 22.11.10, RaeBerrie wrote:
i totally agree with everything that has already been said, as well as holding your horse between your hands, legs and seat, when you get to where you want to take off give him a nudge/kick (depending on how lazy he is) to let him know it's time to pick his feet up. goodluck and hope this improves :) x