How to fix a horse that stops at jumps.

How to fix a horse that stops at jumps is a video to get riders to understand the reasons behind why a horse might stop. Some horses stop at jumps because they are afraid of either the jump or the rider causing them pain ie getting left behind. Others stop because they lack confidence and others stop because there is no respect for their rider's wishes. This video explains how to respond to different problems and gives you solutions to each type of horse.
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[@abitofbay2973]

My horse started refusing when we restarted jumping. I think it was nerves in me and her. Even if I was committed to the jump she’d still be unsure so we really had to work on being a team. I had to trust her and have her trust me. And I also think after she figured out she could refuse she was just testing me. She didn’t have respect and I would never use a crop so I either made her go over it even if she stopped or I would back her up and go again. But she doesn’t do it anymore luckily and we can actually jump now lol!

[@KirstinKellyEquestrian]

A Bit of Bay excellent well done

[@anyaks6696]

this really helped! I have a welsh section D gelding called jac who is a BRILLIANT jumper, really could do well if he was just more trusting of me and himself. He will jump fine at home, but as soon as we go out? Stops all the time.. at the most pathetic fences aswell. It's very disconcerting as he starts putting on the breaks about five strides before and no amount of nagging will make him go forward. It's annoying as sometimes he will jump beautifully and it will feel like i could jump anything i put at him. But other times he feels so reluctant and behind me. I think the show environment gets to him a bit but alot of the time it's pure naughtiness and being opinionated. When my instructor gets on he will stop once then gets told off and jumps beautifully. I think its me that gives him that uncertainty. How do i stop overthinking and assuming he's going to stop? I dont want to hold him back as he's so talented..

[@KirstinKellyEquestrian]

Hey your not alone , as you see with all the thumbs up . I do a lot of work with training your mind so that you can be positive and brave. Self belief is something that takes time and practise . Follow me on Facebook “ Kirstin Kelly Equestrian” I often do live webinars teaching strategies to ditch fear and build a positive mindset 🥰

[@lulee7375]

Horses are naughty, they are trying to tell you something!!! It's a communication method gone OTT !!

[@shannonbaker7904]

My horse is giving me a realllllyyy hard time with this recently. He's my 16.2hh loan horse and sometimes won't even go over small jumps. Hopefully we'll get better soon

[@KirstinKellyEquestrian]

If he has been good and suddenly starts stopping please get him checked out first. He may have sore feet, a sore back and is trying to tell you he isn't happy. Then when you know he is 100% then start with a couple of these exercises from this playlist . kzbin.info/aero/PL4ljeWgj0smLSpBoB157zDYUP8ws7vojr Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss out on all my videos

[@hneycomb189]

Her: Built there trust Me: *Rode a horse and whisper* I believe in you Me again: *Kicked the horse* Horse: *Jump and saw another fence and stopped* Me: ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! Stay calm.. sTaY cAlM.. STAY CALM.. *Sigh* Let's do it again Me: *Hopped off and removed the tiny jump* Me again: *Kicked the horse* Horse: *Canter and jumped* Me: YES

[@KirstinKellyEquestrian]

dian sembiring that’s one way to get them over the jump

[@tarpan365]

Poor horse.. poor horse

[@grace.1]

@@tarpan365 what? How is riding a horse “poor horse”?

[@nevaehmiller3408]

samee with me but at a show I cropped him for no reason so he hit a pole down all on me 😢

[@joryharris8002]

Just stop torturing the damned horse! You all deserve broken necks!

[@mieke7508]

Thank you so much, this really help me, my horse is notti, she's been ducking out at the jump at now I understand😉 🙏

[@fionamead7040]

Please add that some horses are in pain and need to have a gear and body assessment, before getting after them with a whip. Otherwise you get a horse that shuts down and is in chronic pain and the problems get worse for the horse.

[@KirstinKellyEquestrian]

Fiona Mead very true. I thought that was included in fear but I played it back and realised it got left off. Fear of pain from something hurting or the rider hurting them by getting left behind can be a major cause of stopping too

[@nevaehmiller3408]

my horse starting refusing because I didn't line him up to the jump I was too close to the standards so I made a loop and he went over it perfectly. the first round I looked at it so he stopped then he went over and the next jump was 2 strides away and he jumped it nicely

[@bshaw2221]

One of my first jump since I bet nervous quick and I was on a pony that zooms and goes higher so when we had to trot over lots of pokes I got worried so some one led me a bit also to keep her calm

[@clovisrobertodasilva7477]

Hi, thanks for this video, it was very helpful and informal, it definitely has helped. The pony that I’m leasing at the moment is normally ok, however she swerves away from jumps and can’t seem to stop bucking and rearing when I ask for something as simple as a walk transition. She’s recently started rearing and refusing when I ask her to walk over trot poles, that’s only sometimes though most of the time she’s ok. Can I have some tips please. 😊

[@KirstinKellyEquestrian]

clovis roberto da silva oh heck, she sounds definitely in pain , having a reaction to something like grass or stomach ulcers. I would get a vet to check her over and watch her being jumped too

[@annakosinska7297]

Thank you very much fir this clear explanation and advice on how to approach a horse that refuses to jump. I just bought a horse that refuses to jump. I have been working with him for over two months and he is getting confident over small fences. However, when effort is required, for example, a not so perfect distance, he stops using a dirty stop. I am not an experienced rider so I am sure part of it could be me. I will experiment with your techniques. Thank you,

[@KirstinKellyEquestrian]

Awesome, glad you found this video helpful. 🥰

[@annakosinska7297]

@@KirstinKellyEquestrian I was actually able to try it out yesterday, during my jumping lesson. The little encouragement with the tap of the stick did wonders to my horse. (we are re-training him in jumping). Thank you again for your excellent advice!

[@petswithposture9198]

My mare is 18 and she tries to take off at the jump but last minute slams on the brakes, is she too old to re learn

[@KirstinKellyEquestrian]

At 18 I would say so unless you have lots of time and money to make sure she isn't sore as well

[@JillDaniels-hn8vt]

What about a horse that will jump fine most of the time, but stops at the last second every now and then. We think my daughter is getting ahead of him. Because when he refuses, she flies over him and the jump. Getting dangerous. He hasn't done this with anyone else. Could she be on his neck too much?

[@dangerouspanthers4847]

My horse has just started this. We have just started jumping bigger and when I approach the jump I usually pull back the slightest bit because he does love to go fast so that might be the problem. Also it usually happens if he is going to take a long or chip he just doesn’t want to go over it.

[@Maoam13]

i have the same problem here…

[@KirstinKellyEquestrian]

Pulling on the rein will cause anxiety so try massaging the mouth smoothly so you regulate not stop the canter. Also by doing lots of my exercises that I have videos on, you will train your horse to be adjustable so he can jump off any stride. Keep an eye open for my next video as its how to improve your eye for a distance

[@sssaaammmiii]

I have a 13.2hh cob and he does jump, I currently am leasing him to help the owner with his fitness and overall health. A few weeks ago we went to do some easy jumping, cross poles ext, and he would just refuse but has jumped much higher and more technical jumps. I asked my instructor what it could be and he said that it could just be him not wanting to jump, yet he has never refused a cross pole before - any advice?

[@KirstinKellyEquestrian]

Always check that he isn't sore, that the saddle is fitting correctly. If you try lungeing him on a hard surface on a 10m circle that will show up any lame steps if he is a little bit sore. If he is all fine, try doing rails on the ground getting him confident cantering over them first, then put them up as crosses after that

[@riverdale_edits3590]

I'm very late to this maybe you have a tip my Arab/paint mare won't go near junps when I'm on her and won't go over a simple crossrail, on the ground she can easily jump 2 foot on the lunge or just leading over I discipline her and it's working slowly

[@KirstinKellyEquestrian]

Maybe your horse doesn't trust you when your riding her. Check that when your riding your hands are balanced and don't pull when she spooks or leaps by grabbing a piece of mane. I'd start by leading her over a pole a couple of times then hop on and be led on her, then walk over by yourself and build her trust.

[@wahs_h10]

My mare is too smart for her own good. I have to constantly make jumping her idea. No amount of force will get her over the jump until she decides she wants to go🤣

[@codyequestrian24]

I take lessons and lease a horse who lives at a stable. But I also own a small Arabian pony named Raven who lives at house. He’s adorable so I always have to forgive him in the end, but he’s very lazy. He fractured his leg a couple of years ago so this might be part of it, but he always seems a little off. I know he can go fast and clear a decent sized jump, but when I ride him, it’s almost like he physically can’t do the jumps or go fast. Once you get him going, he is pretty good, though he’s naughty sometimes and run out of jumps or refuse. When he goes over, he usually knocks it down. Sometimes he gets a perfect jump. Today I tried to jump him over a barrel ( which I don’t think he’s ever done) He refused. (not surprising) So I tried to ease him into it. He did an ok cross rail in the middle of the barrels.(it was a skinny) He is so scared of the barrels! Can I have a couple tips and tricks please? Thank you!

[@KirstinKellyEquestrian]

Hi there, Firstly I would get the vet to do a check over to make sure he is 100% sound so then you know he isn't stopping or knocking them down because he is in pain. Some ponies are so tough they just keep going even though it hurts. After the vet has given him the okay then I would start with cantering raised poles to get him stronger kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKfXl4B8mptkpNk If you need pony distances check out my website www.kirstinkellyequestrian.com Then when he can canter the poles with knocking them down, he is ready for the next question. Leave me a comment on the raised poles exercise, how you are going and i'll give you the next exercise to try. Happy riding, Kirstin

[@codyequestrian24]

I will definitely get back to you. Thanks!

[@kizzybfairy6065]

Hi late to this post my horse will go around a course of fences lovely until he sees a water tray backs of completely and starts to nap and when I squeeze him forward he naps and gives a frustrating buck then I'm back to square one with any type of filler around the course, and he now feels if he's scared he will stop before take off and have a look then come around and jump it 2nd time I've tryed experienced riders on him and he does the exact same thing with them, if I'm working on him going over water trays for a day he will jump them next day no problem until he isn't jumped over fillers or trays for a few days he is back to being petrified of them again any helpful tips please

[@KirstinKellyEquestrian]

It sounds like he genuinely worried. He confidence is only ok then one little thing sends him back to square one. I had a horse like this once. I did positive re-enforcement training ( clicker ) so every time he jumped one he got a reward or treat. I did at home and schooling out for two weeks and then did it at a show and he was perfect. When they understand click and reward, you don’t reward straight away so you click ( on the top of my whip I attached a clicker) then rewarded ringside

[@kizzybfairy6065]

@@KirstinKellyEquestrian thank you so much for your reply very helpful

[@nicolemaslanka8156]

hey! whenever you can please respond :) so the pony that I ride used to be a brilliant jumper and would jump everything however recently he became the type that he’ll refuse almost every jump , idk how to fix this because I’m really hoping I start jumping higher with him soon . Btw, if there’s a horse in front of him that jumps the jump he’ll do it too

[@KirstinKellyEquestrian]

Sorry its been agers to reply That sounds odd that he is happy to follow so you can rule out pain I would think unless he gets excited and then adrenaline kicks in. Maybe you need to earn his respect, start working on your flatwork, being able to shorten and lengthen your stride , counting your strides out loud so he can work in the same rhythm as you. I have a video being released soon about improving your eye for a distance, maybe that will help

[@km_equestrian9276]

my horse refuses jumps unless he walks over it first then he flys it but everytime the jump changes eg from a cross to a vertical or the height changes etc he refuses it 🤷🏼‍♀️ as long as he walks over it hes fine but you cant walk over all heights lol

[@kimarchereventing7658]

My horse Mac is an arab who hadnt been trained to jump until the previous owner before me. i bought him when he was 13 and he is now 15. i am judging that his previous owner sold him because she wanted a horse that jumps, she made it seem that Mac simply wasnt a jumper, but from what ive judged he does jump small jumps with really great form with potential to go higher, however he refuses so so much i've just had him going over jumps that are about 60cm and whenever i try to jump him that tiny bit bigger i find that he refuses quite a lot. i cant tell if he's genuinely scared or if he's just being naughty. I do feel it could be me stopping him from jumping any higher as i get nervous that he will refuse anything bigger than 60cm. I don't know what to do.

[@KirstinKellyEquestrian]

Hi Kim, it is always such a hard question to answer. This thumpnail photo is actually me on a students horse. He would jump 1 meter perfectly fine but stop randomly at 1.10m. Some things to look for are pain indicators, such as does his canter get really tight behind, does he swap canter leads, does he sweat a-lot and get stressed. All these things could mean he has a weakness that hurts when he has to jump bigger. This horse had sacroiliac issues so it made his hips and back end un-stable so when the jumps were bigger,it made him scared. Let me know if you have any of these issues. Kirstin

[@kimarchereventing7658]

@@KirstinKellyEquestrian thank you so much!! I will definitely have a look into my boy and make sure he's not in pain. He does often swap leads while in canter so I have had the chiro out to see if he's sore anywhere. Thank you for your suggestions. 😊

[@KirstinKellyEquestrian]

Kim Archer Eventing yes swapping leads behind is often a sign of sacroiliac problems

[@kimarchereventing7658]

@@KirstinKellyEquestrian thank you I will definitely get it checked out! Do I look into getting a body worker come out to see my boy?

[@KirstinKellyEquestrian]

@@kimarchereventing7658 I would start with a good horse vet that could advise if injecting the sacroilicia would help. By injecting it, it allows it to work without pain so should allow the horse to get stronger and happier to try and work it.

[@hannahoreilly5912]

I feel like my horse is all of theses he’s naughty on the ground and will jump if I tell him to with confidence but will also some days just completely stop out of fair and won’t follow a lead or anything and I’m really struggling

[@KirstinKellyEquestrian]

Hannah O'Reilly oh no, he doesn’t like an easy ride 😢 how long have you had him

[@hannahoreilly5912]

Kirstin Kelly Equestrian no he’s really not and only a few months

[@BK-is5fj]

Hannah O'Reilly Like people animals have bad days. If he’s really bad one day, be easy on him and leave him be.

[@MarioTopov]

Also pain !

[@KirstinKellyEquestrian]

Yes definitely pain too

[@jamehugo7563]

Who is here after the Tokyo Olympics horse jumping incident

[@jumpingonly3386]

The majority of horses begin stopping because the rider gives "wrong distances". Which means the takeoff position of the horse is at an impossible spot. Most of the time these horses in the first stage try to do good anyway, even though the distance is bad, so they make the extra very small stride and kind of correct the wrong distance the rider gave. But after a few times the horse start to learn that most of the time it does that there is punishment. Or the the fence will be hit hard or the rider is hanging in the mouth of the horse above the jump because of the small stride the horse made and disbalancing the rider because of it. The second fase is then that the horse doesn't do it at all anymore. The horse is then most of the time blaimed for it because a lot of riders have the illusion a horse should jump from all distances. Not realising that if the horse would really do that they would one day end up in hospital or worse.

[@KirstinKellyEquestrian]

This can be one reason but I would say that everything has two sides. A well balanced, adjustable horse can easily jump off deep strides, perfect and long strides as they have been trained and developed confidence that they can do it and trust their rider who accepts what they see and takes the correct action ie if deep the rider should lift the chin up, which then engages the core and keeps the rider's weight upright so that the horse can rock it's weight back and jump vertically instead of propelling forward. But if you don't train your horse correctly on the flat to be balanced, rhythmical, adjustable, and in self-carriage, you will struggle to get him to adjust his stride to a jump. Also if you panic every time you see a less than perfect stride, your horse will feel that anxiety and doubt and stop or jump awkwardly.

[@jumpingonly3386]

@@KirstinKellyEquestrian You have wrong distances (the ones who or too deep or too large but still jumpable) and you have the kamikaze distances ( distances which makes it impossible for the horse to clear the jump) where the horse has only two options, refuse or crash. The last category should never get a license to jump in the first place.

[@BK-is5fj]

Or you could just not make them do something they don’t want to..? You know it’s a myth that they’ll walk all over you if you give them freedom. We let our horses have freedom and they respect us more than ever before. You can win the fight, but the can’t win the war. Listen and acknowledge their feelings, stop being so controlling, build trust. A lot of the training methods today are outdated and go back to the 1950s. It’s wrong. Respect them and you’ll get the same in return. Positive reinforcement, understanding when they’re having a bad day and leaving them be, etc goes a long way

[@KirstinKellyEquestrian]

Great reply, yes there is always two sides to every problem and so often riders only focus on their goals and don't listen to how the horse feels

[@fersandoval3458]

You forgot that the rider can be a reason too

[@hackingandtrekkingacrossth6849]

Horses are never naughty or trying to push boundaries. When a horse stops at a jump. It’s always the riders fault. Horses only do what they think they are being told to do or what they have to do in order to survive. Horses do not have the capability to think ‘I will refuse the jump just to annoy my rider’ or ‘I am going to be naughty and not jump this jump’ or ‘I am going to manipulate my rider and not jump the jump’. People reflect human traits onto animals too much. Horses and other animals like dogs and cats are not animals so they wouldn’t have human traits. Horses are not interested in rewards. They are interested in staying Alive and making sure they have enough food. Also with jumping, the only thing they will probably be thinking is ‘Why do I have to jump over this when there is plenty of room to run around it’ Remember in the wild, they will only jump something if there is no way around it. It’s also not a natural thing for horses to jump. Cats are build for running and jumping, while horses are build for running as running is their only defence in the wild.

[@KirstinKellyEquestrian]

Good thought 💭 I never make blanket comments though as there are always exceptions to the rule. I’ve taught several naughty ponies .

[@tarpan365]

Don't jump horses. It hurts horses mentally and physically badly, very badly.

[@meganbrodersen887]

😂

[@tarpan365]

@The Magic Twister watch think like a horse on yt, then get back to me when you have learned about jumping.

[@Maoam13]

Why do you comment all here videos? Why do you even watch videos about horse jumping if you think it is cruel? Do you have to much free time? Go and do something more useful.

[@tarpan365]

@@Maoam13 Honestly, i still feel A LOT of hate towards jumpers but I've stopped commenting because if they wanted to take care of their horses properly they would do some research and find out, yes jumping horses hurts them bad and bits and cruel as are stables. And yes, I have a lot of free time that I spend drawing because what's the point of doing anything really? We are all going to die in the end anyway. Have a good day.