Jumping!

Hi! I am going to pony camp in the summer and I really want to improve my jumping ! We are doing xc and show jumping, but I can't take my horse with me :( I also want to start show jumping competitively with my horse. My problem is - he is very difficult to jump! He's very strong when it comes to jumping but he's so talented. Every time I try to jump a course he gets to the third fence and sticks his head in the air and bolts! He isn't scared, he just gets really excited. Does anyone have any tips about how I can keep him calm and under control? Thanks!
Posted via Mobile Device

I can completely relate as I have a horse with the same issues. Right now we are taking a step back, working on using the horses hind end more - since a bolter usually uses their front. Most important is getting your horse into a frame and keeping it. If you horse is in a frame they cannot put their head in the air and bolt. All of this has be practiced and executed on the flat. Jumping is just flat with jumps in between.

I would suggest working a ton on the flat before introducing jumps again. Your foundation needs to be set before you can expect more.

Practice with poles on the ground. That's my suggestion.
Posted via Mobile Device

Thanks guys! I also have a bit of trouble working Henry do he's on the bit. He doesn't resist, but he has never gone down on the bit for me, save for one time in the summer when I was just cantering around the field. I wasn't doing anything differently?
Posted via Mobile Device

Maybe you and him were more relaxed in the field? Try practicing continually sponging your reins.