I love horse back riding but unfortunately i stopped doing it for a few months. Now im starting to ride again but my class is already jumping 6 to 7 jumps (cross rails) in a row. Im terrified of jumping i want to overcome my fear but i dont know how. Can anyone help me?
I certainly hope your instructor isn't thinking about chucking you in with the rest of the class, and throwing you straight into 7 crossrails in a row.
Whoever said crossrails weren't frightening are idiots. I remember when the thought of jumping scared the bejesus out of me. I had never jumped before, and a new instructor gave me half a lesson of a 2 point position, and threw me straight into a 1ft jump (and it wasn't even a crossrail).
I barely made it the first time, but the second time I fell.
Before you start jumping, it's better if you learn to stand in the saddle while cantering and trotting. Being able to hold that position is incredibly beneficial before jumping.
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Being able to do that over multiple poles at a time is even moreso. Once you're absolutely confident to stand in your saddle and canter/trot over poles, then you can have a go at crossrails.
Remember that being afraid makes your horse nervous, and being afraid can have a drastic effect on your riding. Never try something you are not ready for - ever. Especially when it comes to horse riding.
If your instructor has a whinge about it, she is a bloody useless instructor. Never give in to something you do not want to do, just because your instructor says you should.
Do you truly want to jump? There are other disciplines that don't involve any jumping, such as dressage, hunter pleasure/hunter under saddle, saddleseat, western, etc. I personally do not enjoy jumping. I sometimes will do small jumps, but it isn't something I feel as though I want to pursue. As such, I haven't.
If you truly do want to jump, though, the first thing would be to figure out what it is about jumping that scares you. Once you know that, you should try to work out whether it is a rational fear (something that really could happen ) or an irrational fear (something that probably won't happen). At that point, you can begin to work through it. I'd talk to your instructor about it. She might have advice on how to begin jumping and working through your fears.
Are you a timid rider? Cross-rails really aren't that dangerous or scary even if they are in a row.
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Speaking from experience, I am a timid rider. Jumping always made me nervous. My advice? Don't jump if you're scared. The horse really will sense it and if your horse is the type to take advantage of you then your in for it.
Of course the only way to build confidence is to go out of your comfort zone a little bit. But first you need to identify why you don't want to leave that comfort zone? Do you feel unsafe or are you mostly just afraid because you 're inexperienced? Once you find the answer to that question you will know if you should really be jumping at all.
Don't jump if you have safety concerns. That's a good way to break bones.
First, ride a horse you really trust. One that you have been riding for a while. Even after riding for over 8 years when ever I put the rail up higher I get a little nervous. Don't look at the jump. Instead, look beyond it. Don't think about the jumps. Focus on either your posting or your cantering. If you are a pretty good jumper then you'll know when to get into position. This makes it all smooth. Once your try it once or twice it will be easy and you'll be having tons of fun. And remember, your instructor wouldn't make you do anything he/she thought you couldn't do.
On your own time try taking it slowly, very slowly. Soon you will build up confidence and be able to jump with the group .. As for now, tell your instructer you would like to start with something smaller since you missed quite a bit. I'm sure he/she will understand .. Hope I helped!
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Ps jumping is nothing to be afraid of!!;)
Ride the horse you trust most, and maybe have one if your instuctors kind of run with you while you go over a jump ad ten just buil it up over a few weeks ! Grab the mane and squeeze with your legs as hard as you can in your two point!
go with the pony, block everyone else out do what your instructor tells you and if you have to grab onto mane or a strap! hope your fear goes
