Question # 101: My horse has a problem with combinations of fences with 1 or 2 strides between them. He grabs hold of the bit and just goes as hard as he can, flat and strung out...
It's like a switch is activated in his brain - he has no concept of being careful, controlled, or even that I'm on his back. It doesn't seem to matter if I'm trotting or cantering on approach, with lots of forward energy or slow and steady. The only pattern seems to be that it's combination fences with 1-2 strides between. He is 17h, but is somewhat weak in the hind end - could he feel overfaced when we jump these combinations? Could he see the second fence and incorrectly judge it as a very wide oxer and think he needs the power to clear them both? I'm at a loss here! What would you suggest for #1, the response I should immediately have, and #2, the long term fix? (Courtney)
Hi Courtney!
While I would need a video to see for sure what is going on here, I do have a few ideas for you. Usually this problem stems from problems with focus or feelings of claustrophobia. And when I say claustrophobia, I mean rider induced claustrophobia. If the rider... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer)
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