396 | Learning to Slow Down Over Fences

2015-06-08

Does your normally relaxed, sane, and rhythmic horse turn into his version of a racehorse each time he rounds a corner and spots anything that resembles a jump when you are riding? Your quiet calm ride turns into a flat-out gallop, resembling the rush for the finish post on the final furlong of Aintree... (minus the cheering crowds!) Unfortunately, horses rushing or racing over fences is a common problem for riders. And one that, once all pain or discomfort has been ruled out as the cause, only patience, time, and consistent correct schooling can help remedy and slow down your j...

Unfortunately, horses rushing or racing over fences is a common problem for riders. And one that, once all pain or discomfort has been ruled out as the cause, only patience, time, and consistent correct schooling can help remedy and slow down your jumping experience.

Why Do Horses Rush?

Rushing over jumps may begin to become a habit because of lots of varied triggers for different horses and riders. One of the more common ways is due to a lot of riders becoming anxious over fences. This is also true for the horses. They pick up on this anxiety and become a little tenser themselves.

This feeds the rider's anxiety, which in turn feeds the horses. A vicious cycle is created between horse and rider every time a fence appears on the horizon