Jump training advice?

Okayy soo, I have a 6 year old TB, who I've completely trained myself, and for the last 2 months or so he has been consistently jumping 18" crossrails and now and then some verticals at about the same height. He is starting to get really lazy over them at the trot and canter, even the 2' vertical I was jumping today he seemed to not pick his feet up very well. I love him to death, and I am so proud of him, but I was just wondering if you guys thought that maybe I should start moving him up in height? I don't want him backing off of them, and I know if he starts to do that, then I should back up a notch. I've never trained a horse to jump before, I've been jumping for a long time, just wanted to hear someone else's opinion on this?

If you're sure he's just bored and that raising them won't undermine his confidence, sure, give it a try. There's only one way to find out if that's the answer. If you do raise them and he answers by running out or refusing, I would say keep the jumps around 2' but incorporate gymnastic grids into your jumping to help him keep connected and learn to use himself over the fences. There's a zillion different jump configurations out there that help you can try to keep your horse interested. Something as simple as a ground pole 9' to 10' in front and behind a vertical will help him stay collected over the vertical instead of getting all strung out. Most horses find gymnastics very fun.

Thanks! :) ill try some grids with him. I had him over some bounces a couple weeks ago, I guess im just too lazy to set them back up :P he's very willing, but he does have confidence issues and I've had to go extra slow with him his whole life because of it. He's such a good boy :)

I go on trail rides at least once a week, if not more often. A lot of times ill work in the arena and go on a short trail ride after. And by "consistently" I mean, I jump him 3 days a week maybe four depending on how much refreshing I need to do without him refusing or seeming hesitant at them. Im not that ignorant to not know that my horse would enjoy something different every now and then. I don't know anything about training barrel horses, but what I've learned from the jumping is that it takes a lot of repitition, especially with greenies who could be perfect one day, and act like they have no clue where their feet are the next.

I agree with MyBoyPuck. Try raising them a little and see how he does, and definintely try gymnastics, they really help them pay attention. Also if you really think he is bored but are concerned about the height maybe try adding flower boxes or other "scary things" if you haven't already. Is he doing courses, try doing something he won't expect, if you always go straight in the line, do a bending line or a roll back just to keep his attenetion.Hope some of this helps!

Thanks guys :) I gave him the day off and walked him around the cow feild bareback for a few mins. He was more interested in the horses in the next feild then he was the cows five feet away from him xD. But ill try some of your ideas soon.

You jump him 3 or 4 times a week ? That is a good way to blow his legs. I have learned from experience back it off or you will have nothing to jump period. I have a $20,000 pasture pet. I hope you don't end up with one! If your horse is refusing or hesitant then also don't be ignorant enough not to no he is being jumped way to much. Sorry to say this but perhaps you should be getting advise and not giving it. You need to do some research!

Once a week is enough for the horses training the rest is for your fun. Be careful

I understand about blowing the horses legs and running them into the ground. Trust me, I know a girl who does that, jumps for hours, 4' fences, the horse isnt fit. One day he's just going to collapse. Right now I ride for about 20 mins a day. And half of that is flatwork and bending and warming up. I like to end on a good note, so when he gets a perfect distance, or jumps the fence he's spooky at, we end it there, even if I've only ridden for 10 mins