[QUOTE=Meredith Clark;7553524]
Your pony’s first jumps reminded me of my first horse. He had what we called “first jump-itis”. If I could just get him (and me) over that first jump we’d be fine![/QUOTE]
He is so funny! It’s always that first jump and then he’s perfect around the rest of the course!
I just watched the latest video. Cute pony with cute knees over the fence. What I think you are feeling with your elbows is that you are closing your hip just right for this size fence but you are planting your hand down a little bit…most likely because he’s on the little side and you are on the tall side and you are maintaining just a bit of contact over the fences which I suspect him might prefer. If you want to be able to not “close over your elbows”, try lifting your hands just a bit and shortening your reins just a bit so your hands stay in front of your shoulder when you close your hip angle. I know that might sound strange. But if your elbows are at your sides when you are cantering and he likes you to maintain contact, you will end up planting your hands and feeling like your elbows are doing the chicken thing. If they are slightly in front of you, then when you close your hips and follow his neck a little, you can maintain contact without flapping :winkgrin: I am an expert flapper myself so it’s something that I have heard past trainers tell me…I think you are doing a good job 
I see a big difference between the 2 videos and he is DEF more comfortable at home (no kidding, so am I). He’s cute, his markings are crazy adorable. I bet you invest in whitener.
[QUOTE=imapepper;7555195]
I just watched the latest video. Cute pony with cute knees over the fence. What I think you are feeling with your elbows is that you are closing your hip just right for this size fence but you are planting your hand down a little bit…most likely because he’s on the little side and you are on the tall side and you are maintaining just a bit of contact over the fences which I suspect him might prefer. If you want to be able to not “close over your elbows”, try lifting your hands just a bit and shortening your reins just a bit so your hands stay in front of your shoulder when you close your hip angle. I know that might sound strange. But if your elbows are at your sides when you are cantering and he likes you to maintain contact, you will end up planting your hands and feeling like your elbows are doing the chicken thing. If they are slightly in front of you, then when you close your hips and follow his neck a little, you can maintain contact without flapping :winkgrin: I am an expert flapper myself so it’s something that I have heard past trainers tell me…I think you are doing a good job :)[/QUOTE]
I think that he does prefer some light contact, so I usually maintain it. He needs the support from the contact (coming from a shaky bg in jumping). So, should I release farther up his neck to help with my elbows?
[QUOTE=Pennywell Bay;7556314]
I see a big difference between the 2 videos and he is DEF more comfortable at home (no kidding, so am I). He’s cute, his markings are crazy adorable. I bet you invest in whitener.[/QUOTE]
Yes we are both definitely more comfortable at home! Who isn’t?
I luckily don’t have to buy my own shampoo because my barn has a lot of paint/palomino/grey horses and we all kind of share the bathing supplies 
But, yes, he gets a light bath almost once a week when it is warm enough!
You’ve improved a lot! Your pony is cute, honest when in familiar surroundings, and frankly, a bit tame for you now!
Where do you want your riding to go from here?
[QUOTE=JustJump;7556483]
You’ve improved a lot! Your pony is cute, honest when in familiar surroundings, and frankly, a bit tame for you now!
Where do you want your riding to go from here?[/QUOTE]
Thank you!
I will be heading off to college in a year, and I won’t be able to take him with me because I’m (most likely) going out of state and it’s just not financially feasible. I hope that I can find a barn to work at as a working student, groom, anything really just so that I can be around horses!
When it comes to showing, for me, I am satisfied with the local circuit around here. It’s fun, inexpensive, laid back, but still competitive, and the haul is only about 15 minutes from my barn. Don’t get me wrong, I would love to show at some rated shows at some point in my career, but for now I’m perfectly happy with how everything is going. I would also like to ride some more challenging horses. I essentially grew up riding quarter horses, paints, appendixes, etc. (Which I am perfectly happy with!) I’ve just never really ridden a horse over around 16.1hh except for one time when I flatted a retired warmblood jumper once. All in all, I love the feeling that shorter, compact horses give…they’re easier to keep collected and powerful…but I would love to ride some bigger, fancier jumpers someday!
Have you looked into college riding programs?
Will you go for a career with horses or a peripheral career in the industry?
[QUOTE=JustJump;7556645]
Have you looked into college riding programs?
Will you go for a career with horses or a peripheral career in the industry?[/QUOTE]
I have looked into the IHSA college riding teams, but I would want to be on one of the higher teams. However, I don’t have enough show experience to qualify for any of the teams except the flat team…I don’t really think it would be worth it to be on the flat team, honestly. And, I know, everything isn’t about jumping but I would love to be on one of the over fences teams. I’m currently looking at Utah State as a potential college choice, and they have an equestrian team. So, if I end up going there, I may try out for the team.
At this point, I don’t know what my future holds career-wise. I’m really interested in film/video production and editing as well as photography so I’m looking into a career in one of those things. BYU is another of the colleges that I’m looking into because they have a good film school, low tuition, and I could probably get a full scholarship there with my GPA and ACT score. Also, I have a relative that manages a sports broadcasting center for the sports teams; she would be able to get me a job.
A career with horses would be pretty cool, but I don’t think I’m accomplished enough to be a trainer/instructor, could stomach being a vet, strong enough to be a farrier (haha), etc. I could, however, photograph horses. Although, I don’t know that I’d call that a true career.
[QUOTE=SillyHorse;7411264]
Not just more flatwork, but if you can, be sure it’s correct flatwork. Stoney’s story tells it all. The first thing I noticed in the video is that your horse is always counterbent in the corners, and that is because he doesn’t have the foundation on the flat that would give him the strength to be balanced instead of “motorcycling.” If you can find a proper dressage trainer - and I guarantee no REAL dressage trainer would laugh at you - you will be amazed at how much more adjustable and balanced your horse will become. That will make riding to and over the jumps so much easier.[/QUOTE]
I haven’t read the whole thread…but did want to say that you can also mix good work with being OUT of the ring. Us event riders are always short on time. Riding 3-4 times a week is more than enough to get your boy fitter. But you do have to have a PLAN and a PRogram. You can do dressage work at the same time as your fitness work both in and out of the ring. Keep it interesting for both of you.
If you can’t get lessons…pick up a book. There are tons of great ones out there. Look at all the stuff online too now…all the good Virtual training programs. They cost a little money but you can see some top lessons.
Look at what clinics are in your area…and go audit even if you can’t ride. This may take some work if you don’t have a driver’s liscense yet.
Your boy is 15…that isn’t too old to learn a few things and give you some miles in the show ring. But you need to set him up for success. Can you take him to different farms to school jumping away from home? Don’t always think you have to go to a competition to help prepare him.
[QUOTE=jumpingstarr;7556432]
I think that he does prefer some light contact, so I usually maintain it. He needs the support from the contact (coming from a shaky bg in jumping). So, should I release farther up his neck to help with my elbows?[/QUOTE]
Yep shorten your reins and pick your hands up and let your elbow be slightly in front of your body to maintain that same contact because I think he likes what you are doing with your contact. That will help you keep your contact without closing over your hands. Picture a little bit of an automatic release…you are good enough to do one :winkgrin:
[QUOTE=jumpingstarr;7410496]
UM OKAY. I’ve definitely jumped 4ft before?? Multiple times! No need to be rude.[/QUOTE]
Don’t worry about what Laurierace says. She seems to have nothing better to do than to go on these forums and rip people apart…much like many people on COTH.
For your second show, kudos to you! Yes, he does bulge out with his inside shoulder on the turns. Yes, you did get left behind sometimes. He is a cute jumper and he only stopped once, but still jumped after a little “encouragement.” I’ve had horses I’ve ridden completely refuse, run-out, dirty stop, etc. Yes, he seems a little nervous and you, knowing that he gets nervous away from home, are probably nervous as well, and the both of you are feeding off of each other. You have a very nice base on the whole. Heels are down, back is flat, crotch behind the pommel, not jumping ahead, etc. Your horse is adorable. Even though he is nervous, it is obvious that he tries his hardest for you. (And he doesn’t look overtly fat to me.)
I would just keep working on serpentines, spiraling in and out of 20 meter circles, riding the patterns of numbers (i.e. 3, 5, 6, etc.) just to work on more bending and suppling and keeping him relaxed.
[QUOTE=huntr_eq_blonde;7557606]
Don’t worry about what Laurierace says. She seems to have nothing better to do than to go on these forums and rip people apart…much like many people on COTH.
For your second show, kudos to you! Yes, he does bulge out with his inside shoulder on the turns. Yes, you did get left behind sometimes. He is a cute jumper and he only stopped once, but still jumped after a little “encouragement.” I’ve had horses I’ve ridden completely refuse, run-out, dirty stop, etc. Yes, he seems a little nervous and you, knowing that he gets nervous away from home, are probably nervous as well, and the both of you are feeding off of each other. You have a very nice base on the whole. Heels are down, back is flat, crotch behind the pommel, not jumping ahead, etc. Your horse is adorable. Even though he is nervous, it is obvious that he tries his hardest for you. (And he doesn’t look overtly fat to me.)
I would just keep working on serpentines, spiraling in and out of 20 meter circles, riding the patterns of numbers (i.e. 3, 5, 6, etc.) just to work on more bending and suppling and keeping him relaxed.[/QUOTE]
Thanks I’ve been working on all of those things! Did you see the more recent video I posted in post #78?
[QUOTE=jumpingstarr;7557610]
Thanks I’ve been working on all of those things! Did you see the more recent video I posted in post #78?[/QUOTE]
So sorry. Got lost in the shuffle there. So much improvement!!! Look at how straight you are going to the jumps every single time! And he isn’t bulging in the corners!!! Keep doing what you’re doing, girl. Height doesn’t seem to be a problem for him, either.
Maybe some different gymnastics could be set up so you could work on roll-backs, turns, etc. while switching up the patterns/directions of the same gymnastics just so you can practice transferring these beautiful turns to something that simulates more of an actual course, all while keeping him calm, and relaxed, but not bored.
Love it!
[QUOTE=huntr_eq_blonde;7557626]
So sorry. Got lost in the shuffle there. So much improvement!!! Look at how straight you are going to the jumps every single time! And he isn’t bulging in the corners!!! Keep doing what you’re doing, girl. Height doesn’t seem to be a problem for him, either.
Maybe some different gymnastics could be set up so you could work on roll-backs, turns, etc. while switching up the patterns/directions of the same gymnastics just so you can practice transferring these beautiful turns to something that simulates more of an actual course, all while keeping him calm, and relaxed, but not bored.
Love it![/QUOTE]
Yep, I would normally throw in an oxer/change directions, but we were feeling lazy that day! We have a jumping course which you can see at around the 1 minute mark in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0bPEOWiuW8 so that’s where I do more of my coursework!
ETA: keep in mind that video is a year old.
Where I went to school even if you only showed on the flat, in lessons you rode to your level. We looooved ringer flat riders. Don’t dismiss IHSA out of hand simply due to where you could place in for showing.
[QUOTE=vxf111;7557653]
Where I went to school even if you only showed on the flat, in lessons you rode to your level. We looooved ringer flat riders. Don’t dismiss IHSA out of hand simply due to where you could place in for showing.[/QUOTE]
really? That’s something I didn’t know! I may reconsider.
[QUOTE=jumpingstarr;7556592]
Thank you!
I will be heading off to college in a year, and I won’t be able to take him with me because I’m (most likely) going out of state and it’s just not financially feasible. I hope that I can find a barn to work at as a working student, groom, anything really just so that I can be around horses!
When it comes to showing, for me, I am satisfied with the local circuit around here. It’s fun, inexpensive, laid back, but still competitive, and the haul is only about 15 minutes from my barn. Don’t get me wrong, I would love to show at some rated shows at some point in my career, but for now I’m perfectly happy with how everything is going. I would also like to ride some more challenging horses. I essentially grew up riding quarter horses, paints, appendixes, etc. (Which I am perfectly happy with!) I’ve just never really ridden a horse over around 16.1hh except for one time when I flatted a retired warmblood jumper once. All in all, I love the feeling that shorter, compact horses give…they’re easier to keep collected and powerful…but I would love to ride some bigger, fancier jumpers someday![/QUOTE]
Just as a suggestion from someone who went through college without a horse, join IHSA. Seriously, it was the best decision I have ever made. IHSA gives you the opportunity to ride a wide range of horses. And it’s really competitive.
To add: I went to a highly competitive equine focused college out in Ohio and not only got to ride for IHSA twice a week, but took riding classes for credit and part of my major. They have a few different majors that focus strictly on horses and training. Here is my college’s website www.lec.edu
There are a few others you should check out as well: Findlay University in Northwest Ohio, Saint Andrews Presbyterian, Mount Holyoke University, Roanoke College, Seminary College, and I would also check out UC Davis. There are a lot of schools out there that focus on equine, however only a few have the majors that let you take riding classes for credit (as far as I know its Lake Erie College, Saint Andrews, Findlay and maybe Mount Holyoke.) If you have any questions as to how the curriculum ran, feel free to PM me.
[QUOTE=The Fault In Our Stars;7557706]
Just as a suggestion from someone who went through college without a horse, join IHSA. Seriously, it was the best decision I have ever made. IHSA gives you the opportunity to ride a wide range of horses. And it’s really competitive.[/QUOTE]
You guys are seriously convincing me to reconsider IHSA! If I end up at UT state I think I will definitely have to try out for the team
[QUOTE=jumpingstarr;7557710]
You guys are seriously convincing me to reconsider IHSA! If I end up at UT state I think I will definitely have to try out for the team :D[/QUOTE]
Definitely take a look at it. I loved loved loved IHSA in college.
Also, take a look at what I added to my previous post, you might like a few of those ideas.
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