what causes dirty stops?

[hb]

Semantics, yes. But two people can look at the same ride and one sees a dirty stopper and the other sees why they stop. So if someone labels a horse a dirty stopper, there may be something else going on.

A true dirty stopper? Why keep trying to jump them, I don’t get that.

[jlphilli]

Been there.

Yes, everyone is right about it being about pain 99% of the time. The other 1% of the time you will give yourself ulcers trying to figure out the cause. As others have mentioned, some horses are hyper sensitive to the rider looking down, others are just scared and stubborn at the same time (so therefore refuse to get over whatever caused them to get scared in the first place).

Lots of good advice on how to ride it. Try giving the horse a break from jumping for a good while. While riding confident is a must, never gun it for a gappy distance. If you try for a long time and are not able to get the horse over it (after a vet has ruled out any pain), be nice to the horse and don’t make them jump anymore. It also is a good way to turn you into a defensive rider.

[findeight]

[QUOTE=hb;7764425]
Semantics, yes. But two people can look at the same ride and one sees a dirty stopper and the other sees why they stop. So if someone labels a horse a dirty stopper, there may be something else going on.

A true dirty stopper? Why keep trying to jump them, I don’t get that.[/QUOTE]

Well, they don’t do it all the time, especially when dropped down in height.

Sometimes they get sold without full disclosure. Sometimes a young Pro will take one on in hopes of jump starting a career hoping it is one of the 99% that can be worked with to a certain extent. It’s that other 1% that get and deserve the tag dirty stopper…I have seen very, very accomplished and well known riders fail to make a dent in this nasty habit.

They dont start that way. Something happened. But some really latch onto it even when the bad riding, fear or pain are eliminated.