"Swerving", "Ducking", and "Veering" Left- Help??

Lately, since we've been jumping again, Jay's had this problem with swerving, veering, ducking- whatever you want to call it- to the left when we approach a jump. He doesn't usually duck out, but this makes him jump it crooked, which I know isn't real easy for him. Any suggestions on how to fix this? I don't know what causes it or else I'd tell you =P... Also any suggestions as to what may cause it?

Is your saddle jamming his shoulder blades when his front feet hit the ground? Are you balanced or pulling his to the left with your weight? I recently described how to have someone identify if you ride with uneven stirrup pressure. This can cause the saddle on the left side to dig into the horse, if you are right handed.

Hmmm.... How could I have someone tell if I was putting on uneven pressure? (I've been told I have a tendency to lean left. How do I fix that also?)

Have an instructor watch you to see what your position is doing. They will be able to help you fix your position. Definitely check your saddle fit as that could be causing the runouts.

Keep your left leg on a bit more than your right leg, have a whip in your left hand. Both those should help a bit...

Also another thing to look at are his feet. If a horse has sore feet, they aren't going to want to jump. :)

If I were to guess, it's your left sidedness that is transferring to your horse. Work on circling in jumping position, trot poles and low fences until you get your position correct. Work without stirrups will help too. Once you get that straightened out, it will be much easier to fix his behavior.

He has had sore feet, and right now he has an abscess we're getting out, but it isn't hurting him anymore. He has had numerous ailments in his left leg/foot in the past 6 months- I'll try to see if getting my position right helps also ;) Thanks a lot!!