ASKHQ: COMBINATION CONUNDRUM

Q: What can you do to help a horse who likes to run out in combinations?

A: First ask yourself: why is my horse ducking out; what can I do to change this; is my horse sore; do I have enough confidence to jump; and does my horse have enough confidence to jump?

The first thing to establish is whether or not your horse is sore. A horse who suddenly starts to stop or run out should be assumed to be sore, and a vet must be called to give him a thorough check-up. In terms of pure riding issues:

• Make sure you are always heading towards a jump in a straight line and you are riding towards the middle of the jump. Place a pole on both sides of the standard of the second obstacle. This helps the horse to jump in the centre of the fence.
• Always start with low jumps to make sure it’s not the height that causes problems. This will help your horse to build confidence.
• When you are heading towards the first jump in a combination, you should always face the second fence. When the horse jumps the first fence, you should be looking to the second fence. Mentally you are telling yourself and your horse to go over the fence.
• Keep a contact with the horse’s mouth so you can lead him to the second fence. If you lose contact while landing after the first jump, the horse is free to go. However, be careful not to pull on the reins.
• Look up and over the fence when approaching the jumps. Looking down or around the jump is bound to create issues.
• Lack of confidence or experience on the part of either the horse or the rider is one of the biggest reasons a horse stops or ducks out, so make sure to increase confidence by training the basics thoroughly.

Answered by Equine Support International