Ask Jess
Hey jess you are an amazing rider and so lucky!! I've recently started BSJA but only have a GP saddle, is it really important that I get a jumping saddle? Also, do you get really nervous when you're representing your country? Thanks xx
Danielle Hello
No a GP saddle is fine so long as it fits well. I dont get nervous riding for Team GB. Its what I have always wanted to do and I really love the thrill and excitement, especially the jump offs.
Good luck with everything
Jess
Firstly, huge congratulations to you and your hard working team of family/ponies, you must all be very proud. I have a couple of questions for you - what determines what colour jacket you wear? I mean some of your pictures have a red jacet, others a navy? Also, who is your favourite famous sj'er? And finally, what do you plan to study at A-level?
Frankie Hello
I prefer my red jacket but I am not allowed to wear it when representing Team GB. We all wear the same.
I dont have a favourite show jumper. I think its best to learn a little bit from each rider.
I hope to do Art Economics and Geography.
Jess
I have a pony that I can't get to do flying changes. Sometimes she does it automatically when I'm jumping a round but in the school she won't do it. I've tried putting a pole in the middle and her canter is balanced but still no -perhaps could l be doing the wrong aid for one?
isabella Hello
Tixylix wont change leg at home but does it in the ring!
Just keep practising from one leg into a couple of trot paces and onto the other leg. It should come once the horse understands what you want.
Jess
When you arrive at a show, how long would you warm up for before you go in the ring and what would the warm up consist of?
Isobel Hello
on some ponies and horses they need 30 mins others need 10 mins. You need to get them loose get them happy. Relaxed and ready. I never jump big fences outside. Just get them doing what you have practised at home. Its too late for a change of plans. Dont forget after you have jumped warm them down. Slow trot and loose rein.
Jess
hey,
i have a 14 2 that im geting regestered with the sji this month but im affraid that i look to tall on him im 13 and quite tall for my age but very slim.would any riders that compete with be like this
shann Hello
loads of them. Dont worry too much you should stay in ponies as long as you can.
Jess
hey(: i have a 16.1 horse that was very badly treated and we got him last year. he is a very nervous horse and is very hard to get settled when i bring him any where. Any tips?? x
Ruth(: Hello
no short cut. The only way is to get his confidence. That doesnt mean you have to pat him all the time that will have the opposite effect. Just build his confidence up slowly. Really slowly. Ask him to do things that are a little taxing and keep calm.
Jess
hii,
i want to get some lessons and was just wondering who you trained with :)
thanks
Lottie
Lottie Bailey hey
i usually train with my dad he has always helped me!
thanks
Hey,
I was wondering what saddles you use? Your horses always look really well turned out xx
Sasha Young hey
i use Antares tack they sponser me. their tack is really good. there should be a link to it on my website.
thank you me my mum and my groom marie always try our best to make them look beautiful!
jess
Hi Jess, little bit of advice needed! 1) I give with my hands far too much when I fold over jumps and it really frustrates me. I try to remember not too but it's a last minute habit and 2) what is the best technique for getting your horse onto an outline. I have contact, but it doesn't last more than a few seconds. Thanks!
Sophie hey,
just try to relax and let your position come to you. you just have to really try to remember where your hands should be. Theres nothing you need to worry about aslong as it doesnt affect your riding. I have dressage lessons which i find really have helped improve my riding.
I use draw reins on some of my horses and i find it really helps to relax their necks however, draw reins doesnt work on all horses and sometimes may have the reverse affect. i would sugget trying them and see how you horse reacts.
Hope this helps
jess xx
Are you still in school?
If so how do you manage to balance all of your work? and do you plan on being an olympian one day? xx
TL hey
yeah i am still at school and going to stay until A level. My school give me time to ride when i am free and they always let me out for weekends. I would love to be an olympian but i think it will be a while yet!
jess
Have you ever thought about competing in the united states? also, who has your 3 musketeer 128cm ponies now? I havent seen them on the circuit recently
Ginger hey
yes i would love to come and compete over there and maybe stay there for a bit! Jodie hall Mcateer has Spring Disney now and she is going really well and Pheobe Locke had Charleys Angel and Get Ready Fready.
jess x
hey!
i have a really strong forward-going horse. i tap him with a whip about 2 strides before a fence as he used to always stop, but do you think i should use spurs instead? as he still stops if i sqease him on?
caitlin x hey
i use spurs quite a lot, they are really good to keep the horses going and to give them confidence. i always carry a whip but i tend not to use it as i find it scares them sometimes. If you feel confident enough that he wont stop then i would suggest using the spurs.
good luck!
have u had any intrest on ppl buying tixy or moon yet as ppl know you are goin on to horses in the summer and coming out of ponies?.
Well done a olympia on moon :-) x
sarah hey
i still have one year left in ponies so hopefully i wont be selling Tixy or Moon until i am then. im going to do horses and ponies throughout the year so i am ready for the transition next year.
thank you very much
jess xx
Hi Jess,
I have been riding since I was 3, and am 14 now, and I know all the basics, but I have never jumped before. I'm going to start jumping with a trainer, and I really want to do well in it. Do you know how long it will take me, til I get to be good enough to compete? Any info or advice you have is great! You inspire me xxx
Ally hey
im sure you will do great. sometimes people can just get into it straight away or for others it takes time. i would go to a show when you feel confident enough and you and your horse trust eachother.
good luck
jess xx
Hiya Jess! I was curious if you had heard of Breyer Model Horses, and if so, are you interested in them? Thanks! :D
Grace
Grace hey
yes i have heard of them, i always used to play with them when i was younger! i used to get them for christmas they were my favorite toys.
jess
xx
hey, omg i just saw you at olympia on razorlite, you are absolutely amazing..... that was a well deserved win and i got some great pictures and videos! im 13 and i really want to do olympia and HOYS so im currently looking for 14.2's for sale what is a good website or place to find good show jumpers?
xxxx
marisa thank you for the pictures they were really good! there are always ones for sale in Horse and Hound and Horsequest.
thank you and good luck!
jess x
Hey,
I have a 5 yr old 14.1 pony, we do a bit of showjumping and she's very sharp and quick, a bit like your Tixylix. But I find she's quite untidy with her front end and can sometimes almost crash through the fences. Any exercises I could try to improve on this? Thanks so much! x
Stephanie hey
you can try doing doubles of uprights to keep her thinking about her front end. you can try doing wider oxers to make her use her self more. sometimes carefulness comes in time as she is only 5 she may learn as time goes on.
good luck for the future
jess xx
I started BSJA in April this year, I am sick of only jumping 70 and 80. I don't have the confidence to go on and Jump any bigger. How can I stop my Lack of Confidence?
Michael hey
just carry on jumping those rounds until you ready to step up. maybe just try one course that is bigger and see how you feel. if you trust your horse and it has the ability you should be fine.
i wouldnt worry everyone needs confidence sometimes
jess xx
hey,
this might seem like a random question but i'm genuinely interested in what you think... is it possible that a horse will try his absolute best for one rider but not for another? i'm asking this because the horse i have now just won't try half as hard for me as he did for his last owner and i don't know what i'm doing wrong. i'm completely kind yet firm with him but i'm really sad to admit he tried so much harder for his last owner and i can't work out why he won't do the same for me. this is for everything i do with him-hacking, flatting, showjumping, XC...he just doesn't give his best for me and i don't know what i can about it. he's changed from a consistently honest, focused and hardworking horse to a much more inconsistent trier and it's really sad as i thought when i tried him out we were a good match but a year and a bit on i'm not so sure anymore. do you think it's a problem with our bond, as in he doesn't trust me fully?
Joanna
Joanna hey
yeah i have had that before horses dont always make a bond with some people. it takes me a while to get used to them and for them to trust me. i usually take them to small classes and just let them have fun with what they are doing and to trust you more. im sure its not your fault it just takes longer for some horses to bond with people but if you keep doing the right things im sure it will be soon.
jess xx
where u ponies & horses live? in your own stable? :) You are SO GOOD RIDER! And tixy are so good and lovely!
I hey
they all live at home in my stables.
thanks you so much!
jess xx
Hey Jess!
I absolutly adore the way way you ride! Your really neat and make it look easy but we all know its tough at times.
Just wanted to ask, what do you do if your horse is scared at some fillers at a show, my pony you can't always tell when hes gonna stop til you get right under the jump and he just stops dead? any help ideas on how to improve riding upto big fillers?
xx
Katie Storey hey
all horses look at fillers sometimes but you just have to keep positive and give them confidence. if your having trouble maybe try jumping some more fillers at home and let him get used to them. If i have one that is a bit spooky i usually jump it in a smaller class than usual to keep them confident and to let them know that they wont get hurt.
hope this helps
jess xx
I have a 6yr old who is always trying to rush through everything and is very tense. Any tips/excercises to help loosen and relax him while riding?
Jess x
Jess :) hey
when i have horses that i usually do trotting poles in trot and canter to calm them down a bit. start off having one pole then add a pole when he relaxes a bit. also try putting a trotting pole a stride in front of a cross pole to slow him down a bit, you could do this in trot or canter. Draw reins also help relax their head and neck which usually makes them relax their body.
hope this helps
jess xx
Hey!
What would be your advice to people that want to be successful in the sj world but dont have the money to buy fancy horses? What is the best way to get through with talent and get spotted?
Also who is the boy jumping in your 2010 album?
Thankyou xx
Heather hey
you dont always need expensive horses, i have had loads of good ones that havnt been expensive at all. but just keep doing what your doing.
i just looked at that, its not ment to be there !
haha i will try to get it sorted.
xx
hiya you are a true inspiration i was just wondering how did u get to all the big shows as i really want to be like you and my goal is to achieve poys any tips and how do i get there ???
Darcey hey
there are loads of classes at Poys, to get there all you need to do is enter for what ever classes you want to do
xx
hiya jess
you conpeteing at hoys this year ??
have you got any ponies for sale ??
love
jess xx
Jess hey
no i wont be as i just broken my ankle and i havnt got anything for sale at the moment
xx
What height do you jump at Olympia and HOYS ?
Lizzie hey
usually about 1.25 or 1.30
xx
What bits would you suggest for a very strong pony who likes to chuck his head right up in the air (he cant go in a martingale) ?
emily hey
its not all about bits soemtimes they can have the reverse effect. you should try to work on its neck and try to soften it up by working its head low. maybe try draw reins when doing flat work.
xx
How do i get my horse to think about where he puts his feet more? i have tried trotting poles and rasied trot poles but she dosent seem to care about hitting them, she dosent have boots or bandges on and is quite fast, any tips or idears would be great :) xxx
Ellie hey
try not to use plastic poles becasue if they hit them it makes no difference. also doing some grides so she has to use itself more. You can also try putting a canter pole infront of a fence to make it think about where she puts her feet.
hope this helps
xx
hi jess i have a 6year old horse and he is very scopey we are looking to start bsja with him soon. he has been jumping unaffiliated very well and winning but he is not the fastest of horses so i wondered whether in bsja it is really fast and we wouldnt have a chance? are there any exercises that can get him quicker?
thank you xx
danielle hey
its not always about being fast, you can still win classes without going quick. You can always do tight turns to fences in jump offs, and still be very quick.
hope this helps
xx
Hello Jess
what bedding do you use for you're horses and what do you feed them?
Thank you
x
Sophia hey
some of my ponies are on shavings and some on straw and im sponserd by Baileys so we always feed them that.
x
Hey Jess, I have a few questions... x
-Are your stables in a barn or courtyard?
-How often do your horses go in the field?
-How old were you when you got Tixy?
-At big shows, do you sleep in your horse box?
-Will you be making a 2011 photo album?
And my main question...
---How do you deal with critisism? As a top rider people must be quite opinionated on you and I was just wondering how you cope when people are so rude?
Thank you so much, I think you are a really special rider and I respect you so so much!
Please reply ASAP!!! xoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Beth Ward hey
my stables are in a courtyard.
my horses go in the field nearly everyday for about 1-2 hours
i think i was 12
yes i sleep in the lorry
i just tend to ignor it because it only makes you feel bad about yourself.
thank you
xx
Hi Jess
I've got a little 13.2hh mare who loves jumping but she is very difficult to get her into a collected, more impulsive canter. Instead she likes to rush at the fence which usually ends up with us taking a back pole down. How can I get her canter more round and supple?
Also, how do you choose if a young horse has jumping potential?
Thanks much and good luck for the future
Naomi :)
Naomi hey
whast i would do is when your in canter, every time she gets quick bring her back into a halt and pat her to keep her relaxed and listening. to get her more supple make her work more down and low with her neck than you usually would.
a nice young horse would usually have a nice tequnique when its loose jumping and it should come naturally to it.
hope this helps
xx
Hello :)
i have taken my pony to a competition not long ago, and it was my first one on her. she wouldn't go into the ring, and became stubern after a while. She also appeared scared of the fences, which were only 2ft at home she doesn't mind what the fence looks like or how big. And she is forward. Do you have any tips for me to get her going to the same at competitions ?
Beki hey
next time you go to a show, maybe put her in a smaller course a few times just to build her confidence again. also build a few tracks at home and let her think she is at a competition. Just try to ride her forward to keep her conifdent like you are doing.
xx
Heyy :)
I really look up to you as a rider, and think you are an amazing rider!
Do you ever get nervous when to a big competition ?
How long have you wanted to be a show jumper ?
Emily x hey
thank you so much that means a lot. yeah I get nervous but its nothing to worry about it just means your human. My parents used to ride so they wanted me to aswell. I did showing until I was six but I always wanted to jump.
Hi jess I have a new pony who rushes into the fences whenever I jump but she nearly always jumps the fences and comes back to you after the jump. She's quite an old pony,how do I try to steady her approach to the fences
Katy
katy hey
if i get one that does that i use trotting poles infront of the fences to slow them down a bit. come to them at a slow trot and dont put the fence to big. this should make her think about the pole rather than the fence
xx
Hello!
Recently got a new bsja mare on loan! In the field she is very very strong and will race round and takes alot of strength to stop her yet in the school it takes alot of energy to get her into canter? also at her jumping, she is a capable girl and has won over £100 but when coming up to the jump she puts in a tiny stride, sort of looks at the jumps then leap frogs over them! she clears them but its not comfortable for me. is there any exercises i should try out? Thankyou
xxxxx
Heather hey
its because its an open space and any horse will go more forward in a field, its nothing to worry about. But as for the jumping just try to keep her forward and on a nice rhythm. try to put a canter pole infornt of the fence so she cant put an extra stride in.
good luck xx
Hi jess got a few quick q's.
How often do your horses get ridden a day? how often do you compete?
what make is your horsebox?
who are you sponsored by?
where did you get your horses from?
where do you go to school?
are your stables at your house?
thanks xx
Katie hey
i ride them once a day but for about 45 minutes each.i usualy go to a show every weekend but i dont always take the same ones.
my horsebox is sovereign and its really well built. I go to st marys calne. I have 9 stables which are at my house
xx
hey jess, firstly i think you're amazing and i wish i was you! I have a few questions:
Where do you keep your horses?
How old were you when you had your really bad fall?
My friend does POYS and scope and all of the other big shows, but how did you get into the european shows, is it luck and the horses you get or skill and ability?
Good luck for the future, i'll come and watch you in the olympics when you're older!
Jenny hey
thank you. i keep my horses at my house and i was 9. if your talking about the trails you just have to enter but if your talking about shows in europe you have to of won a certain amount of money and jumping a certain height. good luck
xxx
Hey :)
I was just wondering where you get your show jackets from as i want one for my birthday and your ones are really nice xx
Chloe hey
i get them from animo, theyre a really good make.
x
Quick question what make are the boots you wear they look lovely.
lousie
x
Cessca hey
they are parlanti
x
heya! do you ride your horses every day of the week? how many times do you hack and jump per week?
thanks x
helena hey
yeah i ride them every day, they get days off after shows. i dont usually jump that much at home and i hack them 1 once or twice a week.
xx
Hi, :)
I was jumping a class at the weekend and there was a fence that every1 was having problems at. It was just a true vertical with a slanting filler so only half the jump had a ground line. I know fences are difficult to jump without a ground line but why did almost everyone have the second part of this double down? ( the fence with the filler was the first part)
Good luck with your jumping :D
Chloe Hello
at home we sometimes jump fences without groundlines to make the horse stare at the fence and to teach him better judgement and to overcome their fears. To start with they will either jump too high or misjudge the fence.
The reason they have the second part is because they have jumped the first part either too high or to flat and as a result mess up the second part.
hope this helps
Jess
Do your horses have days off?
Sarah HI
Yes, they all chill down in a paddock wahtever the weather.
jess
Hi Jess,
I have just gotten a new horse and he is quite a step up from my smaller horse, he is a big 16.3 warmblood and has alot of jumping experience so he knows what he is doing but he is really taking hold of me and is getting very strong when we jump him. He goes nicely through a grid but when its just a single jump, he really goes for it and I am unable to stop him. I think he is sort of thinking this is to easy because he has jumped alot higher than what we are doing with him. any ideas on how to get rid of this problem. any help would be appreaciated.
Thanks x
helen dowring Hi
you need to go back to trotting over a fence with a trotting pole 3 strides(human) away. Stop him infront of the fence 4 strides away then continue over it and do the same until he slows down. Keep patting him and relax him. Its about messages and the message he needs is calm down.
Jess
Hey Jess :)
another question for you :P
my horse is really scopey and at the minute, I'm jumping him over 80cm-1m tracks. I want to be able to jump bigger tracks, and I feel he has potential, do you think I should just keep building up and gradually get bigger? He has no problems with fillers either :) just that water tray which I need to keep practising!!
Thank you :)
Amy Roberts Hi
just build up slowly get confident with each other and it will come. Dont get over thoughful about water trays...just practice a few at the same speed and dont get any quicker at them.
Jess
Heyya x
you are an amazing rider and me and my friend Amy want to ride just like you!! You jump huge and i love all your horses :)
Do you get nervous at all?
Sarahxxxx
xox
Sarah hi
everybody gets a little nervous. Its natural. Believe in yourself have a plan and when the bell rings just do your thing.
Jess
Hey Jess,
Was just wondering what type of bits you use on your horses, and why? as the subject of bits confuses me!
Dani
Dani Hello
bits is a big subject. Never over bit the horse always start out trying to improve the horse by schooling and try to always have the horse taking you in whatever bit you choose.
Jess
Hi!
I have a Jumping Lesson once a month, and a normal Hack every fortnight. I so want my own Horse, but they are so much money it's not going to happen till I'm much older, I can jump over 3.5ft. And I feel this is a great achievment for me. I have big ambitions to become an Eventer, Showjumper or Instructor. At least have my own Horse. But how can I still get noticed, compete and have fun riding whenever I want without my own Horse? THe Horses at my Riding School are nice and can jump well, but aren't really that competitive. I want to stand out in my group at least, I love all Horses but I also know that I'm good enough to jump slightly higher, compete in little competitions but I can't. I know it sounds confusing but I will simplify it. I want to be the best, but how can I without a Horse?
THankyou so much and please answer ASAP!
Sophie Hi
what a great mindset. Believing in yourself is half the battle won. Some top riders like Peter Charles never had a pony they went to work in show jumping yards and became noticed. Maybe you should look at that.
Jess
Hey,
i think you are an amazing rider and congratulations on making the European team!!
whenever show jumpers walk the course they measure the striding between two fences, how do you do this ?? and how big do each stride of yours need to be as naturally everyones is different ??
thanky you xx
Mary Greene Hi
you need to regulate your stride to 4 per horse stride. If you walk it and you have to extend your stride to get to the take off point you know when you are on your horse you will need to extend the stride. And visa versa.
hope this helps. The coursebuiders will show you if you ask them.
Jess
Thank you, i asked you a question a while ago and took your advice i was surprised at how well it worked. I would love to get a lesson from you but i live in northern ireland, any chance you'll come here soon? I've a 4 year old 148, he canters to the jump all stretched out. I want to have him coming to the jump in a bouncy canter, picked up under himself so we can face bigger jumps. What would you do or what way would you ride him??xx
Emma Hi
He is only 4 so what you do with him now will be the way he will go so take your time and do it right.
work him in draw reigns on the flat and get his back legs under him and make him ride uphill. Once he is sitting on his hocks you will notice a change. We have made some training videos that are on Horse hero and we will make some for the web site soon.
Jess
Hi I have a beautiful 148cm eventer but am having probelsm showjumping. He goes really strong flicking his head everywhere and then becaue he is on his forehand he oftne knocks a pole or two. What should I do? Is there any way of stopping him?
Frankie Hi
as an eventer he has rushed about and needs to re adjust to steady canter and a controlled jump.Do lots of flat work and do lots of trot to stop and canter to stop. Then move off back to trot or canter. Get him more receptive to everything you ask. Use trotting poles and regain control. Once you have done that and you can canter him steady up to a fence write to me again and I will give you some grid excercises that will make him more thoughtful and careful,
Jess
Hey jess - i have a warmblood gelding, and hes not a strong horse so i have him in a snaffell... but once he sees the jump he gets strong, i can hold him in the snaffell but its allot of work. So which is better, having him in a snaffell and having a very strong hold, or putting a stronger bit in, and having as softer hold?
Thanks so much, and your an amazing rider and i really respect you! Xxx
beth Hi
always have the horse filling his bridle. You can lenthen or shorten off a strong bridle. Have control but have the horse taking you.
Jess
Hi Jess, you have been pretty much at the top of the sport (in your age catogeries) for some years now it seems. What seperates you from all the other riders? xx
Kelly Brunker Hi
there are some very good riders out there and I am just one of many. We have won a lot because we practice and school very hard. There are no short cuts.
Jess
Hey :)
I love you, I really look up to you and I think your such a good rider! What's it like competing at all the top shows? Do you get nervous? Well done for all your achievements..you're amazing!
Amy xx
Amy hey
thank you!
its really good fun i never really get nervous but then everyone is different. thank you, means a lot
xxxx
hello, i have a pony that used to be a show jumper and im taking him to a show soon he gets strong and fast and i was wondering if i should just go with the rythm of hes quickness and just sit to it or slow him down?
Ellie hey
if he used to showjump then he knows what he doing but maybe if he is to quick you should slow him down maybe by doing some exercises like trotting poles before fences or trotting in a circle and every now and then stop and give him a pat.
hope this helps xxx
I LOVE YOU <3
I tried out your pony once, it was hard to ride, you're inspirational.
How do you manage to revise for all your exams, and stay at the top of British Showjumping?
I literally love you <3
will you marry me??
PLEASEEEE <3
lots of love Hannah <3 <3
Hannah hey
thank you.
it was quite hard to revise and ride all in one day but i didnt ride as many horses and tried to concentrate on my exams.
xx
hey jess, could you take a look at my video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApO9ulmXKoo and give me feed back? also could you put your training videos onto your website as i cant see them on horse hero :) thankyou xx
charlotte seymour hey
he looks really sweet and quick!
good luck in the future
xxx
Hi,
Me and my pony jumped our first 1m15 members cup class yesterday and won it!
It was a tricky course and there was a very short double and everyone seemed to have the last part down.( my pony tapped it but it stayed up)
I think there was a lot of pressure on because it was the last jump too.
How would you ride that fence?
Sophie xx
Sophie hey
i would just ride it like any other fence, if you think that your nearly finished when coming to the last fence then the horse will also think your finished and may knock it down. just try to keep calm.
well done xxx
Hi Jessica,
I was wondering whether or not you get nervous before going in a jump offs or important classes and what you tell yourself before you go in the ring so you don't stuff up. Im not a nervous rider or anything and I trust my horse and I know we can jump the height and everything, its just my mind I have problems with. I think too much about how I want to win the class or go well and how I have to go clear or in a teams event I feel like if I dont go good im going to let the whole team down. Do you have any advice as to what I should think about before I go in the ring or how I could keep my mind distracted and feel less pressure as ive been watching videos of you in jump offs and you seem to nail them every time! (hope that all made sense!)
Also I was wondering what sort of exercises you do with your horses to make them such careful jumpers. My horses are both fairly careful its just every now and then they will get slack and I want to know how I can get them to wake up and pick their feet up before I go into the ring.
Sorry for the long questions, your an amazing rider and I would really appreciate your advice.
Thanks :) xx
Jaz hey
no i dont really get nervous before jump offs i just try to keep calm. i usually do some exercises with trotting poles to keep them thinking about their feet. also i find short doubles, with an upright first and then a short stride to an oxer helps them use their ability and keeps them carefull however, i never try to catch them out and i dont jump them too much at home.
good luck
xx
Hey Jess, just wondering what sort of feeding and excercise programme you have your ponys on? i have two ponies that have been off for the winter and they are polar opposites! one needs building up as is quite thin and unfit without muscle, whilst the other is overweight and needing to trim down! what would you recommend?
Thank you and congrattttts on finishing your exams x
Katherine hey
usually if one is lacking in muscle we do a lot of hill work on roads, this helps them build upo lots of muscle. this would alos work with your other pony as it keeps them fit. but just keep exercising them regularly.
xx
hey jess, ive recently been taking my pony out alot competing and she has started to back off the jumps a bit and im feeling i have to work alot harder to get round where as she has always normally taken me round. i wondered if this might be because shes getting a bit bored of it, or if you knew of any ideas why this could be happening or any ways i could keep her more eager?
thankyou xx
thanks xx
mel hey
maybe try wearing some spurs just to get her going forwards or maybe just try doing some smaller fences at home to keep her confident xxx
Hello Jess!
How old are you now???
Leena
Leena hey
im 15
xx
hey,
basically i just wanted to say how amazing you are..when things get tough you are only thing that keeps me going your so inspirational i just wanted you to know what a great effect you have had on my life and on my riding. i saw your photo shoot and you are stunning - truley stunning.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
emilia hey
thank you so much, means a lot
xxx
hi, where do you find results from POYS? :)
tim person hey
try going on the Towerlands website
xx
I wonder if you could tell me how big children on horses is? And what the restrictions are?
I can't seem to find out anywhere.
You are defintaley the best rider on the pony circuit btw...you are amazing!
Thank you xx
rosa hey
i think they are about 1.20. you can be up to 16 to jump in the classes however if you are looking to be on the team then you have to be 14 or below.
hope this helps xxx
Hello i've got a young 14.2 we're bringing him on, he is really difficult to get him to canter, ask him to canter and he speeds up his trot. What would you do?
emma hey
try to bring him to walk and do a small cirlce and just as you are coming off the bend give him a squeeze into canter, this should stop him from rushing.
hope this helps
xx
heya jess
I hope your GCSE are going well, i got the beginning of my wheni start in year 10 later on. Any way my pony wont canter into jumps she canter going round the corners,but when were about 2 strides away from the jump she goes into trot got any adivce,but she dose canter over troting poles??
lois hey
try putting a canter pole two or three strides away from the fence, this would help her stay in rhythm to the fence
good luxk
xx
Hi Jessica, what do you think are the best tactics for jump offs on ponies? Any tips for planning your way around a jump off course?x
emma hey
it really depends on the horse. if you have a horse that is quite slow, i usually just try to do turns but it also depends how quick the others have gone infront of you.
xx
could you please take a look at this video of me jumping?
you are an amazing rider!
thanks :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dn8OL8juZFk
evie Hi
that looks good. Hope you won!
Jess
Hi Jess,
I have a 13.2 sec b, mare and so far has progressed massivley in the sj ring and she is fine at shows but when it comes to schooling at home on the flat we have a issue she doesn't relax, Help please ? ( espesially in canter)
Shannon hey
what I usually do if one is tense is do lots of trotting exercises over poles on the ground, this helps the horse think of their feet instead of tensing. Also what I find that helps is totting cirlces and every now and then coming to a halt and patting the pony, this relaxes the horse, this would work in canter too. xx
Hi,
I saw you at the hand the other week and when i was watching you warm up i noticed that your dad/trainer was putting the jump up but one side was bigger then the other? why was that? and well done, amazing riding and good luck for the future :)
Lily x
Lily hey
thank you.
Thats because the horse tends to jump to one side and it just straightens her out. its nothing to trick her it just helps her learn that jumping straight is easier.
xx
hi jess(me again)!!
i just wondered how you kepp all your ponies/horses fit , i know your mum rides but still it must take FOREVER..!!!
Matilda hall hey
my school give me time off to ride when i dont have lessons. i usually ride 6/7 a day in the holidays but when i have school maybe 2/3. No-one is allowed to ride tixi (haha) so i have to ride her everyday. my groom, marie, also helps with the riding but its always a long process.
xx
heyy jess, i was just wondering. I have a 14hh pony that is an exceptionally good jumper when i get him going but to begin with when i first start jumping he tends to refuse alot. Got any ideas on why he does this. And also i know alot of people who have competed in larger comps such as olympia Hoys, ect i was just wondering how do you get to that level?
Abbie hey
Is he quite stuffy to start with? if so what i usually to is when im cantering, just give them a squeze and make him go fowards a few paces this gets them going forwards and it works for me. To qualify for Hoys there are premier shows which are on at the moment. Ther will be more info about these on the Brittish Showjumping website.
hope this helps
xx
hey !
hope your exams are going well, i have mine at the moment as well!
hoping you can update your blog soon and maybe i'll see you at a few shows :D
what have you qaulified for hoys ?
thanks,
june
June hey
ahh thanks, revising takes up lots of time so i didnt get much time to do my website updates but I have just done my blog and it should be all there. I have qaualified Saorsie for the Foxhunter and Tixylix for the Show jumper of the year.
hope your exams go well. xx
Hello,
Whats is your best and worst moment?
Who do you most admire?
Where would you love to see yourself in 15years time?
If you could have any horse/pony which one would you have?
You are such a nice rider, best of luck for in the future!
Lucy
Lucy hey
um best moment would probelly be winning at Hoys and my worst moment would be at the Europeans, coming to the last trebble, hitting the pole but not being able to jump out the second part because of the pole in the way! so 4 faults became 10!
15 years time? um hopefully of junped at the olympics. i would definatly have Cumano, i love that horse!
thank you
xx
hey jess, just wondering why did you really concentrate on your 128s and 148s but never really the 138s? Thaanks!
haanah hey
we had a great time in 12.2s and thought that 13.2 was just an extension of that and i always had my dreams on 14.2s so i guess thats what we chose to do
xx
Hi Jess, ive had my new 15.2hh horse now for about 4 months. In my first month with him, I took him to Southview equestrian centre for a pony club rally, and we jumped a 2ft9 course with all fillers and he flew over anything with no hesitation. He did need his back treated when we bought him due to ill fitting saddle, now; over the past few weeks he has started refusing fences and jumping silly-not creating a shape. Do you think he is just being naughty or he may be in pain? as he usually has a very good attitude and a lovely, huge jump. We are getting the physio out to check him over.
My next problem is..the dreaded water tray!! Last time I tried jumping one at home, he ended up demolishing it and wouldnt jump it at all.. he got very close to it but just decided it was much easier to pull himself back to the floor. Any tips on getting him through this? I need him to be able to jump water trays as im hoping to BSJA him soon!
Sorry for the essay -_-
thank youuuuuu x
Amy Roberts hey, if he is being spooky at the water what you should do is work him for a while before and then try again. sorry i dont have much advise for this but keep trying
xx
Hey(:
When you making your training videos?
Bobbi Jones xx hey
one of them is on the Horse Hero site and the others will be up soon
xx
hey:)
im moving on to 1.30 tracks and am suddenly finding it very daunting, what mindset do you have about jumping bigger tracks?
thankyou:) xx
charrlote hey
i dont think of it as scary i just think if you have faith in your horse then height is not really a problem.
xx
Hey there,
Last year I bought a 5y/o 14.2 with a lot of talent, but he unfortunately suffered a splint and has been off for a while. We have just started jumping him again but he has started going very flat and lazy and doesnt use his back end like he used to, or seem excited about jumping. Can you suggest any exercises to get him back on his hocks and more energetic?
Izzy hey
Try building wider oxers to make him stretch and use his back end and usiing poles infront of the fence helps the shape get better, to get him more energetic try to work on his fitness however when it comes to getting him back on his hocks, try to slow down the canter and not let him lean on you.
hope this helps
xx
Hi jess first off your such an inspiration and an AMAZING rider!!! and i have a question im just asking for your opinion on this but im riding a friesian mare and we are just now getting her into shape and im starting to teach her how to jump and she is realllyy good at it she jumps about a foot over everything, do you think that she could make a fairly good jumper though considering her breed is a bit more on the drafty side she is 15.3h and 7 years old
~Thanks!
mckenzie mcmillian hey
thank you
if it jumps its breeding shouldnt really matter up to a certain level. once you get past jumping 1.30 you really need a horse with jumpiing bloodlines.
xx
Hi :)
I have a four year old Irish sports horse that I am bringing on. He's really relaxed and come on alot- walk, trot and canter in a balanced outline. I was wondering what sort of time you introduce jumping with your young horses? Xx
Alicia hey
i would start to jump small fences now, however dont be too exact with your stride, just get him to jump in a nice rythm and relaxed.
xx
will you be making a forum for your website?
anna Im not to sure about forums as people sometimes get nasty to eacher and I dont want to be responsible! But it might be worth thinking about.
xx
hi i moving on to horses this year and just now im on the hunt. i have been looking at a 16 year old grade A. he has been placed in the hickstead derby and has jumped the four star events ect. i know he is older but he has been looked after his whole life and is in great condition. im have experince up to 1m i have started to do a few 1.10's but i havent had much experince at them and im looking for a horse that will help me out and take me round safely round 1.10's and hopefully 1.20's . my yard owner has a few old grade a's so i have had experince at riding and competiting at horses at that level. a few of my friends who are also moving on to horses at the same level as me and looking at 6 year olds with no experince and they think within a year the will be jumping 1.15 tracks ect but i think unless you have the experince your self then theres not much point buying something with no experince. they all say im stupid at looking at a horse that old. i would love to buy a 10-11 year old that has experince but they are usually quite expensive and i cant afford anything like that. what do you think ?? a young horse with no experince or an older horse with lots ?? sorry for this being so long x
jessica harle hey
i guess it depends on how much experience you have. The less experienced you are the more experienced horse you need. If you bring on one from a baby you will have a longer time on it however with a more experienced horse you may have more fun
xx
hi i was just wondering when or if your doing any demonstrations or open days
thankyou
chelsie x
chelsie we are looking into it, if you look on horse hero there are some training videos of me there
xx
Hi jess, what excercises/programmes do you use to keep your ponys fit? they all look so athlethic and fit, Last year i got my pony very fit by lunging and riding, but she still didnt have alot of muscle? thanks.
Ruby hye i do alot of rodework at home, we have realling good hills which is good for their muscle. sometimes i take them round the field as it is something different for them and it keeps them very fit. I also use the school alot to train them properly.
xx
hi jess,
just wondered when you will be updating your blog as i love reading your reports on all your shows!
thanks
chloe
chloe Hello
soon I have been so busy with GCSE`s I havent had a chance but will try and get it done this weekend as there are no shows.
Jess
heya jess
can you watch this video clip of me and my pony and tell me what i need to improve on. By the way the pony is only 4?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZoNZ8-PD8I&feature=relmfu
lois Hi
if he is only 4 then you should be happy. Just try and get him forwards a bit more and take up his bit. He should arch his neck if he is going forwards because he is the right shape to start with. Good music.
Jess
hi jess,
I really love show jumping and i have been doing it ever since i can remember but since my mum lost her job its been really hard to get to shows. my dad hates horses and says i will never be a good rider and its all a wast of time so he dose't support me financially, i know i will never be able to change his mind about horses but do you have any ideas how i can convince him that its not a wast of time.
thanks syd
sydney Hi
I would love to help you but I am ok at training ponies but no good when it comes to training parents!
Good luck with everything.
Jess
Hey Jess
I have a pony who likes to get in too deep in the fences. He has done it in the past with a different rider and is still carrying on with it. I am jumping 2ft3 and 2ft6 fences. How can i make him stop?
Thanks
Andrea
Andrea Hello
use graduated(back pole higher than front) fences with trotting or canter poles so he has to take off at the right place and stretch. 4 paces for a canter pole and 3 for trot. If hes smaller than 148 then shorten it. Try to have someone on the floor who can move the pole.
Jess
Hey!
To start off with,You are such an inspirational person and i wish i could do what you do! :) How do you get the confidence? It is embarrasing to say but im a really nervous rider...I get nervous jumping 2 ft 6 :L just wondering if you had any tips for confidence?
I don't have my own but i ride at a local riding school.
Thank you!
Emily x
Emily Hello
sit tall in the saddle and be the boss. The ponies can feel the nerves and you need to start sending confident messages in all the basic movements. Start at the walk. Everything you ask the pony must have an immediate response. Walk trot canter. Start to put the confidence in him from the begining. Then it will grow with you.
Jess
Hi Jess my horse goes long, flat and on the forehand in canter, any exercises to help him develop the show jumping canter? Thanks
Ellie Hello
have you tried draw reigns?
Get him to sit back on his hocks and carry his head.
Jess
Hey jess:)!
I have just got my first horse and am finding the transition from ponies quite hard. Although on the whole I prefer riding horses and I can see a better shot, I am finding it hard to keep the horses together through a course. Any tips?
Thankyou, you are amazing btw xx
char Hello
dont worry we all find it hard to make the transition. It will come. stay upright and sit deep. Use spurs and a schooling whip until he respects your aids.
Jess
hey jess x
i was just wondering how and what makes a good jumping position ? x
katie x Hello
the ideal position is to be in control before the fence light and in harmony over the fence and back in control after the fence.
Jess
Dear Jessscia, How long did it take you to jump that high???? :)
Grace Hello
dont think so much about how big a fence is. If you can jump a metre course correctly you can move up. Only the scope of the horse will restict you after that.
Jess
heyy jess
i think your amazing
i am 13 years old and want to start doing children on horses, what class heights are there and have you got and handy tips or advice?
Eleanor Hello
the classes are 1.20 to 1.25. Try to get an experienced horse that has seen it all and get out to the trials as soon as you are ready.
Jess
Hi jess,
i notice you used to have a pony called Dooneens future star, My mum saw it at POYS and now i see its for sale, how did you get on, I am 12 and a reasonable rider, can you remember if it was really strong or difficuult?
Hallie Lunn Hello we had Toby(Donnens future Star) he is brilliant and we jumped him in all the big shows. He got beat by 100th second at HOYS! He is a serious pony and straight forward.
He is the funniest pony and is really great to have around. I really miss him.
Jess
hey jess you answered my question a few weeks ago but i was just reading through your questions and it reminded me of my pony
he has quite thin skin on his legs i think as his boots have began to rub and thefur is waring away in a small patch , we have stoped jumping him in boots or riding him in them
im just wondering about bandages
do you sow yours so they dont come off as someone at my yard says that they should be so theres no chance of coming off
if not what do you do to make sure yours dont come off
sorry about it being such a long paragraph
i love tixy and your a really dood rider
thankyou chelsie xxx
chelsie Hi
we dont sew them on because after big classes the officials take boots and bandages off and inspect them. They are no way as protective as boots and you really need to put them on well or you can cause problems. Get someone who knows to show you how to put them on.
Jess
Hi Jess,
I saw you the other day at Wales and West, watched your round on Tixylix, well done :) Just to say, Leah is selling Dooneens future star and we might buy it ;)
Sasha Glasup Hi
he really is a good pony. One of my all time best!
Jess
Hi Jess, I was just wondering are you still in 148s? and also have you head of a pony called Irish Hotshot? If so what classes does it jump and what is your oppinion of it? Thank you :P
Eliya Hello
yes I know the pony. He is really nice and loads of scope.
Jess
Hi jess
Ok i got a local Show this sunday only dressage and clear round jumping. My pony staying in the night before. But i Havnt got a clue what would to the best to feed her the night before. We have molichaff, condintion nuts and speedi-beat. Can you help me.
Lois Hello
feeding should be looked at as a regime. Dont get too into the night before, its a long term programme. Contact Baileys and they will put you on the right track.
Jess
Hey Jess, amazing website by the way!
I have a 13'2 new forest and I often have battles with his weight, as he is a native pony. I know he can jump the big tracks but until I get him fit and slim again for the summer I can't really do anything but hack?
Any advice to make him slim down and get fit?
Holly xx
Holly Hello
work him hard and feed him well. Contact Baileys and they will talk you through a feeding programme.
Jess
hey Jess, I've noticed in your photo's of you a Tixylix that she wears bandages when she jumps, I would just wondering why and does it help her any way? xxxx
loulou Hello
she has really thin skin and boots rub her
Jess
Hi jess
How do you hang your rosettes up? i have a 38 year old pony who has 19 rosettes , i have them on a purple rosette board which is already full to the brim , i have tried string and drawing pins but that failed .
Alison mitchell Hi
well done its great to still have the pony jumping at his age. You can find deep picture frames on ebay or in framing shops which are made for displays of keys or big objects. They work really well and keep those well earnt rosettes clean. ps try to get a front opening frame so you can add some more!
jess
Hi Jess(: first i just wanted to say how much of an inspiration you are to me! and also, i saw in a question further down you mentioned about wanting your horses to be well bred so not often being coloureds, duns or palominos! does this mean any pony that is one of these colours arent good, as I have recently got a skewbald and she seems to be jumping well? (: xxx
Katie x Hi
I have had a really good dun,palamino, skewbald and appaloosa ponies. So yes of course they can jump. Ponies are a different.
But at the very top level in horses almost all are well bred and carry top bloodlines. Very few are coloured. So you have to be very lucky.
My idea of a European pony is a horse that didnt grow and stayed 148.
Jess
hi jess
just want to say your an amaziong rider.
anyway I have a 14.2 but he cant jmup much higher than metre twenty. I love him but i want to progress to bigger classes. any advice?
x
sadhbh Hi
If you know he cant progress and you want to then sadly you need to move him on. If you cant bear to sell him then you may not progress. Its your choice.
Jess
I have done very little showjumping but I would like to get into it and compete in teams and stuff. Do you have any advice? And also would you say its only people with lots of money and lots of horses who get into shows like HOYS and stuff like that? I only have one pony do I still have a chance with stuff like that?
Lily Hello
To jump at HOYS you will need a good pony. That doesnt mean it needs to cost a lot, you just have to be lucky. We won HOYS with Charleys Angel that cost £1400. We were just very lucky. What you must do is work the pony and practice and practice. Make the very best of what you have got and then you have a chance. Dont just think about getting to HOYS think about winning HOYS. Set your sights high. Why not?
Jess
hey, I have a few questions!
1. How would you teach a horse how to jump?
2. What are your faveorite jumping exercises?
3. How often do you do gridwork?
4. How do you get the bouncy, balanced and rhythmical canter?
5. What do you do to get your horses to jump anything ie. fillers/water/height at new arenas do you hire out/chance it at shows
6. How often do you hack?
Thankyou so much!
Ellie Hello
we try to improve the technique and confidence of the jump. Combinations that improve their technique are my favourite. I love feeling the horse improve. We do gridwork once a week to twice a week.
The big canter is natural not made but any canter will get better from work.
We try to jump every type of fence at home. We dont have much hacking so road work in 2-3 times a week.
Jess
Hi Jess.
What do you particularly look for in a showjumping pony? I have a 14.1 mare that is incredibly capable of jumping the bigger tracks but she hasn't got that big ego that some ponies seem to have. Is that a problem? Tixy seems to be one of them and she is certainly one of the fastest. Oh and have you ever qualified for hoys at a wildcard show and do you still require the double clears like you do with second rounds? Thank you(:
Tess Hello
I think the big ego comes to them with success. I dont know one that has it without. I think the ego is total confidence in who they are and what they are doing. When Tixy goes into a big show she grows under me and has a swagger about her. I think the good ones love to run and jump and show off.
I dont think there are wild cards for HOYS. Try not to worry about qualifying so much. We have never ever tried to qualify for a class. That has always been our motto. We will try and win, if its the right time or just jump well if thats what needed and if we qualify great, if we dont that`s fine too.
Jess
hi jess, what brand are your jods? and do you think its possible to be really good in 2 diciplins of riding or do you think that theres not enough time?
Anna Hi
my Jods are usually Ariat. Yes you can easily be good at 2 disciplines.
good luck with both
Jesss
hi jess:)
i have a 11 yr old 13.2hh part bred new forest mare who loves to jump. i compete her lightly BS and cross country, but not much dressage as she is hopeless at it! haha!:-)
she is fast and forward going, but recently at showjumping she has started to lack impulsion which i dont understand, the last couple of times i have competed i have really had to push her on when i normally have to hold her back! how could this problem be solved? and also she has started to knock one or two poles, when she normally goes clear, and also getting under the jumps and being hesitant in the first round of british novice courses, when she is capable to do discovery and maybe even newcomers?!. i dont understand why she is dropping poles on such small fences?! as she never used to! im really frustrated! this only really happens when i compete on grass though, as when we do indoor showjumping in the arena she is fine? she has 1 stud in each shoe, so should we consider putting more studs in if she is unsure of her footing? also, do you have any useful training excersise for flat work, that would improve her showjumping?
sorry for the paragraph, but i really want to do well with my showjumping as i love it!:) i love you! your amazing!:) good luck for 2011:)
thankyou, charlotte:)xxxx.
charlotte Hello
wow that a long question. If you are sure that the pony is jumping far less well on grass then it sounds like a confidence issue. The poles coming off will be the same reason. Its not thinking about the jump.
You have 2 choices.
Dont jump on grass. If you do you may make the pony careless and loose confidence on a surface,
Try to get it jumping on grass. If thats what you want then build up the confidence. School on the flat on grass and spend time teaching it to be quiet and relaxed and associate the field with controlled work etc. Trotting poles and small fences. Then build up the confidence slowly.
Jess
hi jess,
i was just wondering if you brought get ready freddy of a family with the surname spencer or if you know of them? and another thing when you show jump do you have to properly sit to the horse canter or can you bounce but still sit up and back??
thanks
pandora kiddy Hello
we bought him from the Gunns. You can sit up but I feel that I can drive more from deep in the saddle.
Jess
I'm doing my first show soon and I'm really nervous. My pony is very sensitive and gets very spooky when he senses I'm nervous. Do you have any tips and how do you control nerves?
Amy Hi
overcoming your nerves is hard. Have you really looked at why you get nervous? Its not the size of the jumps etc ..its just the fear of failure..of looking bad in front of others. Once you realise that. then you need to say to yourrself, whats the worst that could happen. Its not that bad. What we do is not a matter of life or death we are just jumping poles in a barn. The more you jump the easier it will get so jusr relax and enjoy yourself and try to stop worrying what others think.
Jess
hey jess,
i've got a 15'2 21 year old ex race horse, he gets ridden atleast 3 times a week, like, properly ridden and schooled, he's been jumping bsja tracks of 1m10 since he was around 13 and completely stopped showjumping in 2008, we're about to start bsja again and i was wondering what excersises i could do to improve his jumping and flat work? thankyou xxxx
lucy cripps Hello
I would look at 2 things. Keeping him loose and keeping him confident. At that age you need to keep his neck and back soft. Work his head low and try to end all work with him taking up the reign and putting his head on the floor even in trot and canter. I would keep his confidence up by never challenging him at home and making it fun. Small combinations and little wide fences to keep him up in the air. He must think that its fun. Make it like a game.
Jess
Hello jess,
i have a chunky 16'2 selle francais mare, and she doesn't take to well to putting weight on her hind legs, like getting her on her hocks before a fence is tricky.. she's had a few injuries to ligaments on her hind legs, but it was nothing to serious, but i'm not sure if this could be the reason. And she also doesn't like taking up a nice contact. Before a fence i can't check her because she'll take it as me asking her to stop, so I either have to sit and wait and see if she wants to sort her self out (which doesn't happen often) or i have to push for the long strides and take a flyer at the fence.. any ideas on how to sort this out?
thanks xxx
Georgia xx Hi
I really cant advise you. Number 1 rule is make sure the horse is not in pain anywhere. If I hurt i wouldnt jump. You must get your vet to check out the horse and see there is no pain or discomfort.
Jess
You said you started riding when you were like 3 and that must have really helped. I only started riding when I was 12 and now I'm 14. I also spent a year sharing a horse at a yard with a tiny school jumping twice in two years and one time I ended up in hospital. I've now got a green 13.3hh new forest pony and I would really like to seriously compete. What advice would you give seeing as I have only been riding for two years. Do you think I still have a chance? Thanks
India Hi
of course you have a chance. Peter Charles started at 17. Tony McCoy at 15. They are 2 of the best horsemen around.
Jess
Hey jess, um well basically I have a pony and I've just got my GCSE's coming up and wondered how you managed all the work AND being the best show jumper in the world, any suggestions on how to handle it all?
Chloe
Chloe Hello
I know I have to get my GCSE `s and go on for A levels and I love show jumping....I havnt got a choice I just have to sqeeze it in.
Jess
Hellooo!
Do you keep the prize money, or does your Dad?:')
sandy Hi
i dont get it. It goes against expenses like entries traveling etc....
Jess
Hi jess, can you tell me what brand the velet hat you are wearing in your 2008 album is please? Thanks!
Beth Hello
it was Charles Owen hat. Now I wear Antares hats/.
Jess
Would you say it helps that you have had a horsey family willing to buy you lots of ponies?
And what do you think about people whos parents dont allow them to have ponies?
Saffie xxx
Saffie Anne Hello
my mum and dad have always loved showjumping and their knowledge and management has been really important. So I have been really lucky.
But look at Dan Neilsen and Peter Charles....they had no support and turned out to be world class. Of course having horsey parents will help but its not essential.
Think about when you are a horsey mum and your child wants to do go-karting. Will you go out and buy go karts or will you try and make them do horses. Some parents just dont like certain sports.
If you really love horses you will find a way. it may not be as early as you want but you will find a way.
Jess
Hey
so i rode this 11hh pony for these people as it was "unrideable" i taught it to jump and have jumped it round a 3ft3 at home (i havent jumped it higher as i am to big for it - i am 5ft1), is this good for an 11hh pony - what height dose an 11hh pony need to jump for BS?
thankx Kallie
Kallie Green Hi
The pony obviously has a big jump!
But jumping an 11hh pony round 128 classes could be a problem. I have watched the class for 8years and never seen one that small. The reason is not the jump height but the stride distance. They can get themselves into a combination or related distance and be in real trouble.
Jess
hey jess,
i've recently applied for racing school and im really excited about starting something new , but things are also going well with my showjumper and things are on the up, do i chose to persue my dream of showjumping or do i stick with the racing?
i can't chose, thanks
Lucy xxx Hi
why do you have to choose? If you are having fun do both. You can only race once every 2 weeks. If you keep doing both you will realise which one to do. No use making a decision and regretting it. If I could race I would try and squeeze it in!
Jess
hey jess, i have a few problems and i was hopeing if you could help..
when im approaching a fence, i get really scared, it's not nerve, im genuinly scared and i stop riding, then my horse will take advantage and just stop, then that makes me loose my confidence more, do you have any tips on this? also, when im out hacking, i'll turn the corner from my yard and my mare will stop going forwards and just walk backwards into moving or stationary traffic, old women, or anything thats in her way, i could smack, kick and shout at her but all she does is walk backwards or go up in the air, any tips on that too? thankyou, chloe xxxx
Chloe Weston Hello
I dont like to be negative but you are getting scared and the pony is making you worse. You need a more honest pony that will give you confidence and make you braver. No advice I can offer will do that for you.
Sadly it may be best to look for a pony that will help you.
Jess
When you are 16 will you progress fully onto horses?? If so what will you do with your current ponies sell them????
sarah Hi
yes. Sadly I will have to sell them,even Tixy. We will really be fussy to make sure she goes to a really good rider and nice home.
Jess
heeey,
firstly i think your an amzing showjumper :)
in JA classes whats, the average heigt which is jumped? thankss :) x
Cassandra Hello
the smaller JA classes are 1.35 the Grand Prixs and Europeans are 140-145cm.
Jess
hi just wondering how od are you curently and do you think you will be to carry on the best show jumper
Thomas Trevenna Hello
I was fifteen last week. I have no idea how well I will do in the future. You are only as good as your last round.
Jess
hi jess, i was just wonderinh how you manage to copete as much as you do when you are still at school. Do you find it hard when you have to revise for your gsces or summer exams? good luck this year show jumping and i think you are an amazing rider
delly xx
delly Hello
I always have loads of homework with me. When we go abroad it takes hours and I have nothing else to do but revise! It is hard but I have to get good results at school. Who knows where my future will be.
Jess
hi jess
i like jumping and dressage and hopefully want to do cross country, but i a bit scared to jump anything over 2ft, and thats the height i've jumped my pony can jump, she could go higher. The that make me a not a perfect jumper becuase i cant jump high???? thxx
lois Hello
I dont think there is such a thing as a perfect jumper. Dont worry so much about what you can acheive just have fun. It is fun and when you can relax and stop worrying you will acheive more than you can imagine. The horse will feel it and your confidence will grow. best of luck
jess
Hi Jess, you are such a huge inspiration and I admire you loads!!! I am currently looking for a showjumper to bring me on and teach me the ropes at the bigger tracks as the highest I have competed is 115cm but you have got to start somewhere?! I was wondering what you think makes a great showjumper and what to look for when trying out a horse
Thanx Mati xx
Mati Hello
It would be easy to say it must suit you but the first time I sat on Tixy I hated the way it went. You really need to be objective.
You can teach a horse many things but not to be careful, have a good canter, have scope, be light on the feet or be honest. Look for these things.
good luck
Jess
hey jess
just wondered on what your opinion on horses with splints is? im about to buy a 4 year old kwpn horse that has a splint on its front leg. i was hoping to do 1.20 tracks with it in time. do you think this could be a problem. have you ever had show jumpers with splints, or do you know of any show jumpers with splints? thanks
ali Hello
loads of show jumpers have splints, Some will never feel them and go on sound. I would buy one if the vet did not see it as a problem.
Jess
My pony is rising 4 and I bought him on myself. He is an amazing jumper never refuses or looks at anything. The only thing is he doesnt really have that forwardness about him which lets him down. He is getting forwarder I just wondered if there was any more tips you could give me?
Chloe Hello
its either his make or his schooling.
Some ponies have a shape that means they are not going forward. They can still compete to a level if they are honest. If the confirmation is good then you need to school. Practice moving away from the leg. Slow canter to fast canter and back again. Have you considered taking it for long canters(not gallop) up some gallops and trying to make it fill its bridle? We once had a pony that did not know how to go forwards till we showed him.
Jess
Hello,
I was just wondering how do you calm you nerves if you get any? I have been give an ex-european pony to ride, i always get really nervous! Thanks.
Georgia.
Georgia Hawl Hi
a little bit of nerves is a good thing. You can only do your best. Stay cool and stay focused.
Jess
HI Jess
I was wandering how you manage to do so many competitions and training with all your school work etc. especially as you must soon be doing your gcse's soon. Do you get much time off school. Thanks xx
Laura Hi
its quite hard now with my exams coming up but I get away from school some afternoons and get as much done as possible. Its easier in the summer with long evenings.
Jess
hey jess
just wondered what is your opinion on the use of draw reins. do you use them on your horses? what horses wouldn't you use them on? thanks
ali Hello
I believe that if used properly that draw reigns are a great aid. If used badly they are bad news. The only time I would not use them is on a horse which was over bent.
Jess
Hi Jess,
I ride an old but crazy pony who has done loads of competing so knows what to do in a show. When we jump a course he gets faster and faster and gets really strong and I can't really stop him and he rushes the jumps. I keep trying to slow him down but I can't. Could you maybe tell me a good way to slow him down, Thanks.
Suzie Hi
its a slow job. You will have to go back to basics. Trotting and stopping .......then move up to canter and stopping.
Then trot over fences and pulling up before the jump and after the jump. Slow the mind down and break the madness.
Jess
Hello, Do you find it easy switching between horses and ponies, do you find the difference in the stride legnths hard? And whats tixylix like to handle, on the ground?
amie Hello
we try to do the horse classes and pony classes in a group. We wont go from one ring to another and back again.
Tixylix is like riding on a volcano. She is ready to explode at any time. She is ok on the ground but you must be very quiet and not tell her what to do. Sometimes she just refuses to go anywhere and waits to see if you want an argument. We just ignore her and then she co operates.
Jess
hi jess,
i have just got a 14.2 4 year old mare but we have just had her measured and she stands at 14.3 1/2 151cm and shes not shod and im not ready to do horse classes on her so will the hieght matter when i get to i.e hoys,poys and scope? cause of age she may still grow, plus shes worth more as pony.
Hayley lewis Hello
sounds like she is getting close to being a horse. It is very straight forward. If you have a life certificate you may at big shows be asked into the measuring box. If you are 151cm its ok if not you have a problem. In Europe you will be measured . At HOYS if you win you will be also.
Jess
hi jess, my pony wont hack out at all, he will suddenly just stop and spin and theres no way of getting past it. If i get off and walk he wont let me back on again, and riding out with another horse isnt an option. can you give me any tips or advice on how to overcome this? thanks, hannah x
hannah Hello
sounds like he is taking the mickey. When you get off him and walk he knows he has won. You will have to be hard on him. If you want to win this one be prepared for a battle he sounds like he has a strong mind!
Jess
heya xx
i was just wondering whats yours dads name becase you seaid that he was a showjumper and when is the news about the open day out ?
thanks x
sophie Hi
my dads name is Paul. We are working on dates. I wiill put it on the web site soon.
Jess
Hey jess
I just wanted to say congratulation because you are an awesome horseback rider!
I'm form Mexico and i ride there but now i am in Canada and the hbr program is not that good, and i really miss my horses.. any ideas of what i can dO?
thanks
Cami
Cami Hi
i dont know much about Canada and their programme but they have some brilliant riders there. Lamaze is one of the best in the world and Big Ben was one of the all time great horses. I am sure there are good people there.
Nice to hear from you
Jess
what do sponsors do?? i have always thought they just lend you clothes to wear (as advertising) at competitions. do they do other things to??? xxxx good luck with your jumping
Helen Hello
we have a couple of sponsors who are really good with us. Antares supply all our tack . Baileys supply food and Ariat have really nice riding clothes. We have been really lucky to be sponsored by these people.
Jess
heya jess
i was just wondering i read a question you answered of someone elses
you said that a full up 148 needs to be 151 i dont understand what you ment and i want to buy a pony this summer thats a full up 14.2 so i can jump the bigger pony tracks but i dont no what the maximum hight is etc like is it 151 then you messure them down as 14.2 im very confused
secondly
can you upgrade ponies to horses like full up 14.2s so you can jump horse tracks as thats what i have heared but i dont no if its true
sorry about it being an essay xxx good luck this year in your jumping
xxx chelsie xxx
p.s i love tixylix xxx
chelsie Hello
ponies must be 148cm without shoes. In order to get a certificate they must measure 148 at a vets. However when shoes are on and the ponies are excited at a show they are allowed a little flexibility and can measure 151cm. Any pony can jump in a horse class but I wouldnt suggest that to anybody because they have not got the stride to make up horse distances.
Jess
hi jess what kind or diet and exercise regime do you have as a showjumper?
amie Hi
I try to keep fit by running. In the summer I would run every day. I also go to Bath University sports centre and train for athletics. In the winter I ride out 4 a day and do about 8-10 on weekends.
Jess
Hello, I am 10 years old,and 1.45.How tall should my perfect horse be?
Stephanie James Hello
I think the BS classes are really good and well thought out.
up to 12 on 128s 12-14 on 138s and 14yrs on 148s.
Jess
Hey Jess,
I have a 14hh pony and at home he is a really good jumper. He jumps 1m courses easily and never refuses or gets to strong. When it comes to shows, he tends to get really strong and refuses at fences as small as 2ft when he can jump so much higher. Even if you get a pretty good line, with good rhythmn he just acts as if he is going to jump it and then ducks out at the last minute. Do you know how to solve this problem?
Thanks.
Elizabeth :)
Elizabeth Gregory Hello
its really hard to say unless I saw him in a show and practicing at home. If you have a video send me a link
Jess
Hiya Jess,
do you know Hannah Michelsen?
sorry its such stupid question...
I bought one of her show jumpers... Hot Tottie IX....
thanks for taking the time to read this,
Hope to hear from you soon and i wish you the best in show jumping :)!
Jaimie xxx
Jaimie Sanger Hello
sorry I dont know her. Thanks for you support.
Jess
hi jess,
have you ever been to Spruce Meadows, in Calgary, Alberta Canada?! I have.. i t's really nice there (i live 3 hours away from it... in Edmonton, Canada)... if you haven't are you planning on going? do you knowho eric lamaze is? have you met him? if you have thats awesome.
thanks for youre time...
from jolayne =)
Jolayne Hi
no I havnt been there but I will go and compete there as soon as I can it looks great. I dont know Lamaze . He is a really quick rider and I love Hickstead.
Jess
Hi Jess
my pony (Gables High Flying Filco) most of the time gets disunited, he struggles with flying changes, have you got any tips? Also, have you ever been to Felbridge EC?
Sasha :)
Sasha Hello
when I saw him he was quite well balanced. Tixylix wont do a change at home but will change in the ring.No I havnt been to Felbridge.
Jess
Do you ever get scared about the height of the fences?:)
Danni Hello,
No, if I am one that has the scope its fine but jumping a bad one over a little fence would worry me!
Jess
hi jess just wondered how many times a month do you compete ?
thanks hannah
hannah Hi
lots! In the holidays we compete 4 days a week in the winter aboout twice.
Jess
Hi, I was wondering if you could give me advice how to teach my pony flying changes, I have tried at home over poles etc but she doesn't seem to understand? Thanks :)
Isabella Hello
canter on the right leg do a transition accross the school come thru the trot and go onto the other leg. Dont worry how long the trot is for. Just work at getting the horse to understand what you want and it will come.
Jess
hi
would you recommend fluffy blinkers? ive seen some people with them on their horses and i was told it helps on concentration. also ive been planning to buy a new baby horse and theres one i like thats by utah van erpkom, have you heard of that stallion before?
abi Hi
they do work if the horse looks back. I know the stallion he is coloured and was owned by John Whittaker.
Jess
Hi Jess,
I saw some videos of you show jumping on youtube and noticed some really nasty comments from people who were probably really jealous. How do you cope with them? Oh and do you have a Youtube channel because I love watching show jumping videos. :) xx
Suzie Hello
no I never read them. I dont read the good things or the bad things. I just get on with jumping.
Jess
heya jess
My pony has delveop a gate promblem when jumping she wont jump away from the gate sometimes and napps to people she knows. Everytime i get her to go away she bucks and plants her self it's only my mum she napps to and my mum comes to the shows with me. But i dunno if it might not be that much of a probelm as she nearlly five.
lois Hello
she is napping and needs to stop. It will only get worse. Its nothing to do with mum. Be tough on the pony.
Jess
Hi Jess,
I have a 14hh eventing pony. He jumps 3'6 at home but in the ring o at BSJA competeions we always do British Novice and Pony Discovery. He always jumps double clear and I dont know whether to go up a class as all we seem to do is the same level and it never seems like we're improving. If I go up a level will I go wrong and make a fool of myself?! Please help!
Grace xx
Grace Hello
I would step it up. You will know if its too much for him. Some horses just do enough and never feel special but they keep stepping up. They are generally the real good ones.
Jess
hey jess,
I have a 13.2hh pony who has always been very energetic and cheeky, however, recently he's really started to act up. It started off with him suddenly stopping and spinning at the start of the hack and not going forwards unless i were to get off, i never let him get away with it but he's done it for months now, but he's now also started to not let me get on him, and also not let me catch him in the field unless i have a bucket. Do you know what this might be? is he in pain and not wanting to be ridden or is he just being naughty? sorry for such a long question!
thanks, jessie xxxxx
Jessie Hello
he sounds like a real naughty pony with a real attitude problem. I am just a show jumper and could not really help you with so many problems.
sorry I cant help
Jess
Hello Jess,
I am 13 years old and a showjumper from Australia,
Have you ever been to Australia or thought about it?
Sophie Wilster Hello
nice to hear from someone so far away. No I have never been but I would love to go. Looks brilliant.
Jess
Hello Jess,
I have a wonderful 13.2 hh welsh pony mare, and I'm hoping to do about 2'9 - 3 ft jumpers this year. The problem is, her previous owner had her grab the bit and rush the fences, which leads her to knocking down the rails. Any ideas to help slow her down?!
Thanks so much, and good luck,
Emily :)
Emily Hello
the rushing sounds like she has lost her shape over a fence and not thinking. You will have to go back to trotting at a fence and stopping 5/6 meters away, waiting then trotting over the fence. Do the excercise with a pole on the ground for the first 2/3 days and no fence. Then stop 4/5 meters the other side. Take the rushing out. Also dont use an upright. Get a very small narrow oxer with a bit of shape 60cm to trot over so the pony has to think where its back legs are. Go back to trotting poles aswell. If you begin to get there do bounce grids of 3 max to slow it down.
Jess
hiya jess
just wondered people say that with a gelding you can tell it what to do...but with a mare you have to ask it...is this true? and also if a mare is set in their ways can they be reversed as easily as geldings or are they more headstrong? thanks
ali hi
i love mares. Tixy, Razorlite, Bagira, Spring Disney, Creative Dancer,Ultrador...all mares.
A good mare will fight for you and never give up. All my mares have never turned their heads at any challenge and battled like lions.
Jess
Hey Jess,
I started senior BSJA when I was 11, jumping British Novice and Discovery's, I'm now 16 and I'm still doing the same heights on a different horse, I seriously feel like giving up because I've made no progress over the years and I'm not moving forward at all, have you ever felt like this?
Thanks,
Sophie xx
Sophie Darby Hello
is it so bad that you are doing the same thing? The classes are for horses ability not riders. If you have a horse only comfortable in those classes why would you step him up ?
If you think the horses could do more but you are not comfortable doing more then dont worry. There is no point jumping a class that you or the horse are struggling in. Just have fun and dont get too concerned about what you should be doing.
Jess
Hello Jess,
I've got a gorgeous 16'2 Selle Francias mare who I compete Discovery's on.
She so awkward to ride, like, we'll be cantering along in a really nice rhythm, and she'll just slow down and go on the forehand, so you give her nudge and she gets even slower, give her kick and she gets even slower, give her a boot and she'll just do a massive buck, dig your spurs in and she'll just buck even higher, I just can't get my mare to move forward. She also stops at fences 3 strides out, and you can scream, shout and kick, or do whatever you can think of untill the cows come home and she just won't go, we've had her back, teeth, feet, bits and saddle checked, literally everything you could think of, and it's all fine, i honestly don't know what to do..
sorry for the essay, but I'm losing the will to live,
thanks,
Sarah xxxxxx
Sarah Taylor Hello
I had a pony called Max that was totally un helpful. If I had kept him I would have gone mad.
So we sold him, bought a helpful one and never looked back.
Jess
Hi Jess
What would be your training plan for a 4/5 year old, what do you think is most important to work on and how would you go about making them into a top horse?
Ellie x
Ellie Hello,
we cant make them into top horses we can only make them the best they can be.
I would take my time with him. I would do lots of flatwork. I would want balance and rythmn in every pace. Straight lines down to and away from cross poles. Never challenge him, never frighten him. Be his friend. I would not work him 7 days a week I would work him 5 days and let him relax in the field every day. I would want one that is chilled relaxed and looking forward to his work.
Jess
Do you clipped any of your ponies/horses
if so whats the best clip?
lois Hello
they are all fully clipped in the winter.
Jess
hi jess
i was just wondering do you know Jodie Hall Mcateer and can you recomend any places to look for a new horse like a website , as im growing out of my old one .
thanks
kaite x
kaite webb Hi
yes I do. They always have really nice horses. Andy Austin has also found me some nice ones. His web site is on a link from mine under Links.
Jess
Hi jess,
I recently got a 14.2 5 year old and has alot of potential as he was noted by trevor breen da irish international showjumper! He is very green and sometimes runs out on small crosspoles! even tho I jumped 1m05cm on him!! Is it just greeness?? And sometimes coming to a fence he really cuts the corner so thats another reason he runs out but he doesnt do that all the time!! Plz help a I wanna start a coupl of shows on him but I cant if he's running out on 60cm!!
Lauren Hi
5 is young but to be running out at crosspoles sounds like is messing with you and maybe you need to be hard on him. If he is not in pain there should be no reason to do that. He sounds like he has talent but he is either taking the mickey or losing his mind when he sees a fence. Either way he needs some drilling.
Just put a pole on the ground and trot over it in a straight line and dont let him lean in. Do it till you bore him into approaching it straight and calm. Then progress onto cross poles. If he rushes,go back to a trotting pole then keep going. It doesnt matter how long this takes you need to win this battle before you progress. Bore him into working with you. You cant beat him for strenth but you can beat him for cleverness.
Jess
I have bought a 9 year old Big 14.2hh mare recently and I am just wondering about a few things. She likes to do as she pleases and if she doesn't get her way then she starts jumping up and down (I know that sounds strange) but its true its after jumps when I dont let her rush and it's really unseating! What do I do? And also Is it better to get deep or to stand off at a fence about 1m - 1m 10 high ?
Thanks,
Enya
Enya Hello
the mare sounds like she is running the show. She must co operate because if it comes to a battle of strenth you wont win. You will have to be hard with her because bronking after a fence can be very dangerous. You will need to go back to dressage discipline and drill her and drill her. Any bad behaviour and you will have to slap her. Its not nice but you cant go on like that.
Jess
Hi Jess, my pony has recently started to change direction of his legs to the different rein when approaching a fence and therefore becomes disunited which affects his jump, making it a bit wobbly and flat, i was wondering if you could give me advice on how to stop that? thanks x
Joanna Hello
He either gets over excited before a fence or you are not approaching in a straight line.
What size is he and what are you jumping on him?
Jess
hi, i have just bought a 16.2 selle francais who has only turned 5 and im having trouble keeping him together and balanced as iv just come of a very fast and bouncy 14.2hh and finding the transition a little weird! also i have trouble getting him to take off at the right point, and he tends to sometimes to rush the jump.
Any advice? x
Louise Hello
its quite a jump up from 148s to horses. They are much harder to hold together. Sounds like the 16.2 is running the show.
What I suggest is that you work on control excercises. Trotting in serpentines and stopping at the intersection and then straight into trot. Then up to canter. Everytime you ask for something make it happen without a second hesitation. Get the brakes, accelerator and steering working at touch. Regain control.
Jess
hey jess
how often do you give your horses holidays and for how long, and what do they do during there holidays. do you just turn them out or are they still stabled?
ali Hello
we play it by ear on each one. Tixylix justs has a week here and there thru the season and screams to come in. The younger ones we like to have 3 or 4 weeks off completely. Razorlite will have 3 weeks off in the field at day and in at night. This winter was so bad we did not leave anything out for more than 3 hours a day.
Jess
Hi I think your brilliant, so inspiring.
I compete at 1.20 tracks on my horse but there is a girl at my yard who did use to be a good rider but now she gets poles and stops a lot but she tells everyone that I won't ever go any further and that am not even that good of rider. I try not to let it get to me and try even harder to prove her wrong but it does sometimes I was just wondering if people comment on you and if it has ever got to you and how you deal with it ?
Thanks x
Nicola hey :)
yeh alot of people have said bad things about me. The best thing to do is just ignore it. I do and it seems to work. let me know what your riding problems are and i will try to give you some tips. dont let them get you down. i hope this helps.
jess xx
Hi Jess,
i was just wondering have you ever had any spooky showjumpers who have been scared of fillers and stopped at them? well i have one of them and i wanted to know if you have any tips on getting her over those fences as she stops alot because she is nervous! xx
Zoe Hello
Dooneens Future Star was one of the best ponies I ever had and he really was uber spookey. Once we got him to jump the spookey fence he just went higher. Even Tixylix is very spookey on a hack.
If you can harness the spook it can be a good thing. They stay so careful. So dont worry.
There is no quick answer. Usar Hune will spook unless we work him and work him and jump wierd fences to soften his spook. You will have to school over loads of fillers. We even put strange things under fences like an orange box on its own and no ground line. Water trays and a plank on its side etc. Just keep going and harness the spook.
Jess
hi jess don't know if you remember me but i'm becky's step daugter anywayz it's inspiring how your soooo amazing ....i've only done one competition how many have you enterd?????????,
Matilda hall Hello
which Becky?
I hope you have lots of fun doing competitions in the future. I cant remember how many we have done but I have done it non stop since I was 5!
Jess
You're in this months Pony Mag, lol. :P It's for a Baileys advert.
Your pony has the same tendon boots as mine, too. xD
I was just wondering, how did you get to the top of the showjumping league, and did you have any times when you felt like it wasn't working and you wanted to give up?
For showjumping, does a lot of it depend on if you have the right ponies or not? How much does it normally cost for a JA pony that will win some classes but not the major ones?
Do you know Floating Change and ABC Juri?
Thanks Jess!
Lisa Hello,
rule number 1. Never give up.
Of course we all have bad days. But just keep believing ,just keep trying, just keep practicing. We cant all be the best but we can try our best. If we want to show jump then we have to used of the ups and downs.
You need very good ponies to reach the top but they dont have to be expensive. We bought a HOYS winner for £1400 and bought European Ponies for small money. If they are made then they will cost a lot of money so we all need to find good ones as novices.
Yes I know Floating Change and ABC Juri. Both really good ponies.
Jess
What is your favorite and least favorite color for a horse? do you like palominos?
Izzy Hi
i really dont mind what colour ponies are. I have had a good palamino too. But when it comes to horses I would want well bred ones to I guess that would rule out anything coloured, dun or palamino.
Jess
hi jess!!!
i absolutly luv ur riding, ur amasing!
do u no any1 called jasmine cain? she had a pony called midnite?
how old is tixylix? who did u get her off and how long have u had her? she's gawjuss!!!!
u hav so many rosettes, ur actually perfect!
gud luck for 2011!!!
Mairi Hi
Yes I know Jasmine Cain and her pony Midnight. Its a really good pony and she went to Holland with it in the summer.
Tixy is 13 and we got her off the Akers who live in the same village as us. We have had her for 3 years and I love her to bits! She has been a superstar and we have had some great times together.
Jess
Hi Jess,
How old were you when you first started riding and how old are you now? How many years have you been riding for? How many horses have you had in your lifetime and how did you get into competitive show jumping? I think you're a great rider, so keep up the brilliant work! :)
Thanks Amelia
Amelia Dustan Hello
I am 14. I first started riding at 3. I cant remember how many horses and ponies we have had. We sometimes on the way back from shows try to remember their names....but its too many now.
When I was 5years old I wanted to jump round Hickstead. I managed it at six but got eliminated at the last fence!
Jess
Hello Jess
How did it go on the europeans this and last year?
Emilie Hello
this year is in June in Poland. Last year didnt work out and we had a couple of poles down. Hope for better this year!
Jess
heyyy jess,
how do you get to jump international level?? and how do you train a horse to jump across the water jump?? i think your an amazing rider and hopefully may see you at a few of your shows coz im exstremely ambitious...
hayley lewis Hello
In the UK you can ask the federation if you can go abroad and compete. If you have done ok they let you go. If you do well you will be asked to jump for the team.
I have been lucky enough not to have pony or horse that woulnt jump water. When we start them off we do a small water fence and make it bigger by putting blue poles at the front and back. It seems to work.
Jess
Jess, Do you go to school or are you home tutored?
Lucy Hello
I go to school. I have dropped a couple of subjects like Latin and have free periods during the day. The school is 5 mins away so Mum picks me up and I do 3 in the day and will do 4 or 5 more in the evening if the light is ok.
I intend to stay and do my A levels.
Jess
Heeey :D
do you have any brothers or sisters? if so, do they ride?
poppy rose Hi
no. wish I did I would love to have a little sister in small ponies. It would be great.
Jess
hi
i was just wondering what is it called when a horse brings his legs really high up and neatley over the jump like in the last photo in your 2006 albam .
thanks alot
sophie Hi
its called "trying hard".
those ponies gave everything and tried their hearts out. Thats not something you can teach them. They just have big hearts.
Jess
hey jess
what breed is tixylix?
and how did you get your sponsors?
and do you know a pony called bokkesprong casper?
best wishes
liberty stone Hello
Tixy is Dutch bred by Cavalier.
The sponsors came because we were lucky enough to do well and they wanted to have their name with us. We do work hard at keeping them happy and up to date. If you get a sponsor make sure you treat them well.
I dont know the pony you wrote about.
Jess
uum what part of your website will have demos and open day dates? also i think your an amazing rider, i really want to get into show jumping competively do you have any tips
Helen Hello
we will be posting the dates on soon .We are off to France and Belgium for 10 days so hope when we get back.
My tip is do it and enjoy it. Dont get stressed....make it fun for the ponies and enjoy it.
Jess
hey jess,
what types of exercises do you do when your on the flat? and do you hack or jump regularly or just mostly flat work? and i have a pony thats got a lot of potential but keeps sneaking in extra strides before jumps, is there anything i can do to help that? thanks x
liv Hello
every pony and horse has a diffferent routine some are hacked some are schooled some never jump at home and some are jumped every day.
Putting extra strides in is really hard to deal with but its about giving the pony no alternative and letting him feel comfortable and easy when he is right. Related distances and grids will do the job.
Jess
What breed is Tixylix? :)
Danielle Johnson Hi
she is Dutch bred by Cavalier. She was bred in Indonesia!
Jess
Filliers and planks when jumping can be a bit tricky, i got a young pony is there and adivce you can give me about introducing her to Fillers and Planks.
Lois Hello
problem with planks is they look so flimsy. The rider gets drawn to the base of the fence. Build planks at home and make sure the top plank is heavy. Then put ground lines at little bit away from the fence on both sides so that the pony gets to feel it must give the planks some space to jump them.
Jess
hi you are soo good at riding and i am a huge fan, i have a pony called freddy and at home he is soo good but when we go in the ring he stops how would you make your horses want to jump?
Emma Hello
its hard to say without seeing him, if you have a video link I would be happy to take a look.
I think you were spot on when you said"make them want to jump"
People think you can make them jump. But they must want to.
Jess
hey!!!!! I LUFF YOU!! my pony is 12.2 even though im 16 but he wont jump do you think its because im too tall and abit overweight?? :( xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
sophie Hello
In my last year of 128s I was getting too big. it does effect them. The balance changes and they dont jump so well.
Jess
Hi Jess, this is a bit of a werid questions but there a photo in your 2008 album of lots of you rosettes, i was just wonder how you hang them up?
Thanks!!
Beth Hello
its hard because they get so dusty. We put the good ones in a glass fronted cinema poster case. Dad bought 2 at an auction for £30.
Jess
Hi Jessica,
What are your views on the use of artificial aids such as whips, spurs etc ?
The use of a whip after a refusual etc ?
James
James Hello
if used properly they are aids. Too often people use spurs and whips too often and with no logic.
It depends why a horse refuses. Many times you see the rider make a mistake and hit the horse. Thats really pointless and will do more harm than good.
Jess
Hi Jess, how old are you? Do you know a pony called Silverlea Mystique or Gables High Flying Filco? Do you know Holly or Harriet Barsham?
From Sasha
Sasha Glassup Hello
I knoe Philco because we tried to buy him off of Louis Simmonds 5 years age. He is nice. I dont know the other pony.
I know who the Barshams are but do not know them.
Jess
Heya
My pony will hack out alone or in company and will lt cars pass behind her. But when they come towards her she Freaks out a scootes across the lane. Is there any adivce.
Lois Hello,
I wish I knew the answer to this. I also have problems with some ponies on the road. Tixylix is the bravest pony at a fence you could ever imagine. Totally fearless. When we take her on the roads she hides in behind other horses and will not go under a bridge at the bottom of the road. I guess the answer is that they are show jumpers and if they are good at that we should be happy.
Jess
hi again :D
did you sell get ready freddie to catherine peck, she is my friends step sister but acording to my friend he is a different hieght so i was wondering if it was the same pony
thanks
Helen Hello
we sold Freddie to Phoebe Locke and she still has him
Jess
Hi jess,
Do you get lessons and who with? Or do you try and work on problems by yourself.
Thanks
Amie Hi
Dad and I have worked the horses with me since I remember. Its not really lessons just working together. I have just had a really good dressage lesson from Spencer Wilton. Very helpful and I hope to have some more.
Jess
hello, just wanted to say you are an amazing rider and so talented! im just wondering how high do 128cm ponies jump at HOYS in feet? also, do you ever go to shows in germany or russia?
Ginger Riley Hello,
the 128s jump about 1.20 . The 148s jump up to 1.45cm. All I can tell you is the fences felt really big in 128s!
Jess
First of all I would like to say thank you for sending me a signed photo!
Anyway, has your family always been horsey? My Mum is but my Dad hates me riding. :P
Chloe Davis Hello
yes. My dad rode to a high level and my mum has always has horses. They have always loved show jumping. You had better work on your dad!
best wishes
Jess
my 13.1hh pony is fantastic he jumps fine normally but as soon s he is in the ring he stops alot, i do give him a tap with my whip upto the fence the fence and as soon as i dont use my whip he stops. He is 21 years old do you you think the stopping is his age, he is very energetic still. also about what height of pony is alright to get to the top pony shows?
Helen Hello
21 is old for a 138. Some go on longer but they need lots of management. They start to get aches and pains. That can lead to stopping.
The best ponies are full up 148cm. That means that they must measure 151cm at a show. The smallest pony I have ever seen at the top level is 142cm. Its not the ability to jump but the lenth of stride in combinations and related distances.
Jess
Do you know the pony Kadia Mouche?
jenny :) Yes,
its a brilliant pony. I love it. we know the old owner Alex Bueller. We spent some time with her in France. I think its one of the best ponies in Europe.
Jess
My 14.1hh always holds back from the fence when he's in the ring,but in the warm up her perfect?! What should I do?
Thanks:)
danielle Hello
I am not sure what you mean by holds back. If you mean he is backing off then its probably his confidence that needs improving. I have a horse like that and we practice getting him up to the fence. Loads of confidence builders. Make him do lots of poles on the floor. put parellel poles on the ground so he spooks a bit and you can pat him and build his confidence. If you were with your friend and both were frightened to go into a spooky room. The worst thing would be if your friend shoved you in. The only way to go into the spooky room is together ,holding hands.
Jess
hi jess i just wondered how you go about getting a sponser ? thanks zoe
zoe robinson Hello
its hard because you have to be winning and in the spotlight to make them want to invest in you. On the other hand you need a sponsor to help you get going. Try some small businesses around you and start with a small request.
Jess
What is the best peice of advise you can give to someone who wants to be a professional rider?
Alessandra Hi
It will a long hard road and sometimes things will not work out as planned. So i guess its about determination. In the saddle and out. Its about hard times and good times and how you deal with them.
Jess
Hi Jessica,
From looking at your photos it looks like you ride with rather long stirrups... am I right? If so is there any reason you ride quite long?
Best Wishes!
Amie Hello
I do ride long. My Dad has always trained me to ride long and sit deep into the horse.
Jess
hey
how do you improve a horses ability to turn round corners in walk trot canter, are there any particular exercises.
thankyou
ali Hello
there is no quick answer. You need to school and school. Lots of shoulder in and lrg yeilding. Try not to overbend or bend inwards too much. Otherwise the back will come out wide.
Jess
I need your help with my jumping postion i keep puting my legs forward before taking off i see pics of them do you have any adivice. Also i have a 4 years ridden in a hanging cheek when i jump her she can get strong if there any thing i can do to help her.
Lois Hello
it sounds like to are riding too short. You are sending yourself to the back of the saddle by pushing on your irons. Have you tried to do lots of work without irons and get a deeper seat. The 2nd problem is related to the 1st. You are setting yourself against the bit.
Maybe you can get some dressage lessons and try and get more upright and dont balance against the pony. Ive just got back from a dreassage lesson, it really helps.
Jess
Hiya
This is kinda a weird question ... but i was wonderin do top show jumpers wear body protectors??
Alice xx Hello
I have never seen a top show jumper wearing a body protector. It seems to be very much a cross country thing. A really good crash hat is essential for show jumping.
Jess
What height are the classes you usually do with Tixylix?
thanks:)
danielle Hello
they range from 1.25 to 1.45 in the big classes.
Jess
Hello, I am currently doing a prject for college and was wondering if there are any certain breeds you would chose for show jumping? If so, what are they and why. Thanks, Charlotte Townend.
Charlotte Townend Hello
I like Dutch breeding. The Dutch have really made a science of sports horse breeding. They are not as heavy as the German horses who are better for men riders. Belgian breeding has good parts but a lot of very average horses aswell. Selle Francais horses can be very talented but the stud book is so large it would need ages to understand it. I wouldnt buy a horse that is half TB. they are great in a straight line but you would have to be very lucky to find a real good one.
This is only my opinion
Jess
hello
i have a top 138 pony but looking for a horse and i seen that you have some for sale can you tell me a bit more a bout them please and what hight they are.
thankes brittany
brittany Hello
Lanique is for sale and he is a brilliant speed horse up to 1.35.
Children on horses is perfect for him.
email my mum on lillybrook@hotmail.co.uk and she will tell you about him
Jess
Hi,
When I watch show jumping, i notice riders always walk the course and count their footsteps between fences. How do they do this because their footsteps aren't as big as the horses?
Daisy Hi
the average horse stride is four human steps. I need to work out where the horse lands after the fence then take 4 steps. So 12 strides is 3 horse strides. Then there is the take off point. If its 11 the rider knows to shorten the horses stride or take an outside line to give yourself more space.
hope this helps
Jess
do you wear make-up when you ride?
sarah Hi
yes I do sometimes but just mascara.
Jess
hi
i saw a question and you said that you were having an open day ... can you please give me deatils x
sam
sam watson Hello
probably in July it will be on the web site soon, hope you can come.
jess
I was wondering if you ride in different bits for flatwork and jumping? thanks mel x
Mel Hello
yes sometimes. If its only flatwork in draw reins then we use a snaffle. If we are not using draw reins then we would generally stick to the jumping bit.
Jess
How would you improve a horses balance&rhythm, like what exercises could you do?
Lilly Jackson Hello
flat schooling...more flat schooling .....and more!
You have got to get a regulated even canter and it can take a lot of work. When we got Saorsie I could not sit to the canter it was so un comfortable. It took about 100 hours of flatwork to get the rythmn into her.
Jess
hey jess
my horse will jump fine at home and in the warmup, but when he comes to go into the ring he completley tenses up and knocks poles flying. I have been told to sell him and get something decent, but hes got real potential and i would love to do children on horses with him.please help!
thanks,
abbi x
abbi richards Hello
to do Children on Horses you only have 2 years. In year 1 you need to be in the frame in most classes and in year 2 you want to be looking to get on the Team GB. The time will go very quick.
I would only do Children on Horses on an experienced older horse because i would not have time to fix one and get into a Team in 2 years.
So if you really want to do that class you may have to think about changing him in.
Sorry if thats the wrong answer.
Jess
hello jess,
when I look back at my show photos, i realise that sometimes I pull funny faces! but when im jumping round im so concentrated that I don't realise. do you have any tips for not doing that?
many thanks, Syd
sydney Hello
I think its good that you dont realise you are pulling faces. It shows you are concentrating. If thats your major worry in the ring , you are doing fine.
Jess
hey jess
iv got a amazing 13.2hh pony called whizz that will jump anything but i have the problem of the 4 faults aar! is there any tips you can give me that will help.Also i always worrie about the striding , do i need to worrie or i just dont worrie about . :)
katie.b thx
katie Hi
hope you called him Whiz. Sounds like he may be going too quick thru the air.
Its hard to say unless I saw him. Most ponies if showing the right shape over a fence will try and be careful. Make sure you use good solid non plastic fences aswell. Dont worry its meant to be fun so enjoy it.
jess
hey jess
just wondered what is your opinion on horses with blue eyes. im going to try one this weekend that sounds perfect for me and yet we have just found out it has a blue eye. what do you personally think of them. do you like them? if a horse had blue eyes would you still buy it? and do you know if it puts their value down. thanks
xxx
ali Hello
it wouldn`t bother me at all if it had blue eyes. Delphino has blue eyes and he is a reall good pony. So does MickeyBlue Eyes and he is really good.
Jess
Hey, what's your daily riding routing with your horses? x
joanna Miller Hello
It is different on every pony and horse. No two have the same routine. Tixylix is never jumped just drilled on the flat and then out in the paddock.. Ultrador just hacks around and Usar Hune is jumped every day.Everyone is different. The answer is find the key to the horse and then you can improve the mind.
Jess
hey jess,
When jumping my horse bigger heights at home i cannot seem to sit still..even though my horse has lots of scope i get nervous and so seem to push her on, even though i've been told i should stop interfering with her and let her get on with it..any tips?
thanks so much x
Dani Hello
you know the problem and know the cure. You just need to work at it as its all in your mind. As soon as it gets big you panic. Try some related distances to fences so that you cannot get wrong. A fence and three strides a fence and four etc... Then your only option will be to stay still and wait for the stride. Start off small and build up the second fence size. Get the feel of waiting and no panic and repeat it till its second nature.
Jess
When will you be putting training videos up? I think its a great idea:)
Sophia Colombo Hello
we will be making them in April. We are going to do some open days in July where people can come(no charge) and we can do some demos and training tips and answer questions...maybe you would like to come its open to everybody.
Jess
heeey.
i jump topp level 138s but i have a novice 6year old 138 from hollland which is really cranky and can jump as big as you want her to. but she looks quite a bit/ but never stops, what do i do? ive bought her on myself and only i can ride her
:)
lilly Hello
i had Dooneens Future Star who spooked a lot but was brave. At Arena UK he wouldnt jump a fence in the practice ring and was terrified but went in the ring and won both HOYS qualifies on both days. He went on and got beat at HOYS by 100th second. His spook was his strenth all we needed to do was understand how to harness it.
Spook and brave is ok
Jess
heya jess:)
ive got a stunning 148cm JA that was previously owned by matt sampson, hes jumping well but we were told when we bought him that he was over juumped the 1m25s and wont jump a big track anymore. should i try him at it or is it not worth the risk?
beth osmond Hello
It may be worth a go. You have been told the true story, so if it did not work out you wouldnt be dissapointed.
Just move up slowly and take it easy. good luck
Jess
hello jess
i tend to over hook before a smaller fence and my pony jumps awkadly over the fence/dosnt have enough empulsion. any advice?xo
isabel rogers Hello
sounds like you are tring to be too accurate. Stop worrying and start to let the pony flow a bit. If you have the use of a big field let the pony have a real nice canter(not gallop) and start to feel comfortable with a bit of pace. Then put a little 80cm fence out in the field and just pop it a few times. You need to get comfortable with a bigger rythmn and dont try to be so accurate.
ps it will also improve your eye.
Jess
Hey! How do you get the perfect stride to a fence?
Danielle Johnson Hello
good training and lots of practice. The perfect stride is not really the right idea to start with. A good stride can be a little short or a little long. What you want is balance and rythmn.
Jess
Hi Jess,
Have you ever had a bad fall since you have been competing at top level? And if so have you learnt from it or was it a once off accident?
Best Wishes!
beth Hello
yes I had a very bad accident and ended up air lifted to hospital and into intensive care. Three broken ribs and puntcured lung. What I learnt was its a dangerous sport and always wear a good hat. I did otherwise it would have been really bad.
Jess
do you realise how lucky you are?
rosie downey Hello
Of course I do. I have been very lucky to find good ponies that were cheap and lucky that my parents bought great ponies. I have been very lucky indeed.
Jess
hey jess.
your at the top end so i know you've got all the gear. what make is your hat jacket and boots? also does your dad give lessons to public?
keep up your good work with sj.
wendy Hello
my hat is Antares. My jacket is Animo and my boots are Parlanti.
Dad does not do lessons. But we are going to do a couple of training videos soon and put them on the web site.
regards
Jess
hey jess
I always struggle with my jump position over fences, up to around 1.10 im fine but as soon as they get bigger a always seem to nearly get thrown out of the seat on the other end! So just wondered if you had any tips for me, and what you would call a good jump position, and any exercises i can do to help me with it. Thanks so much.
xx
ali Hi
send me a link to a video of you and I will take a look. Its hard to say without watching.
Jess
i have a mare who is rising 5 this summer and i'm starting the basics of jumping with her. she is going really well with her flat work and successfully showed her last season. however, when approaching the fence i tend to get very nervouse and lean forward too early because i get so nervous, which makes her set off too early. we've only been doing small jumps and she clears them every time. have you and confidence building exercises i could try?
thankyou, katie
Katie Duggan Hello
well its good to know you can see your problem. You are half way to solving it.
Go back to steady canters over small fences and pull up after 3 or 4 strides after the fence. Do it gently and try to get him to slow down and relax. It sounds like you just need to slow everything down and make the pony think its easy and no stress.Then it will get easier.
Jess
heyy jess,
im about to start bsja and do 1.10+ classes but im really scared of really wide spreads, like the ones you do on tixylix, so what can help me get over this fear?
hayley lewis Hello
its easier and more natural to jump spreads. Uprights cause more problems in courses. Watch horses jump a fence from the side. You will be amazed how easily they cover distance.
Jess
I am looking to buy/full loan a horse with potential to jump 90cm tracks and possibly affiliate ... so i was wondering what should i look for when looking at thousands of horses for sale etc. Should i be looking at how high they can jump or their characteristics? Thanks Alice xx
Alice Hello
look for what suits you. You have got to feel comfortable with the pony. Almost every pony will jump 90c so get one that is careful. If you try it and it touches a pole watch it over the pole again. You want one that learns. Most of all you want one that has a big heart and will try for you. Look into his eye and see if he is kind and settled. I hope this helps.
best of luck
Jess
heey Jess,
i was just womdering what sort of jumping exercises do you do with your ponies when you jump them at home?
thankyou:)
Charlotte Seymour Hello
grids and related distances. We want to improve shape,confidence,attitude, rthymn.....
Every horse or pony does something totally different. Some never jump and some are drilled. There is no answer for all horses.
Jess
Hey Jess,
When I jump I always stick my toes out, I was wondering if you knew any ways to help me stop doing that?
And, my pony will change his lead in canter when he needs to, but he usually only changes his front legs and goes disunited. Any ways to get him to change properly?
Oh, and by the way, how old were you when you got Tixylix?
Thanks!
Beth Hello
I used to stick my toes out. Spend some time riding without irons and improve your seat. The feet sticking out will improve but its not a major problem.
On your pony, use a canter pole on the ground and approach it from an angle and use it to change legs on.
The 2 problems may be related. By improving your seat and staying in contact thru the change it will also improve.
Jess
Hi jess,
Why did you stop showing and start showjumping? And whats your favorate thing about showjumping?
thanks.
amie Hello
for me there was never a choice. Showing depends on an opinion. The winner of a show jump class is the fastest clear round. No opinions.
I really love everything about SJ.
Jess
what age did you start jumpig and what height
tasha Hello
I started jumping in Showing classes at 5 and they were about 70cm. But looked very big at the time!
Jess
hi jess,
i was just wodering how do you keep your horses so fit like do you have a routine and do you keep them in stabes or filds ? and i was just wondering what make is your saddle ?
sophie x
sophie osullivan Hello
they are all kept in and worked or hacked once a day. We have lots of very steep hills and it gets them very fit. When the ground is firmer we canter all of them for 20 mins.
All my saddles are Antares. There is a link on the sponsors to their web site.
Jess
Hi Jess,
I was just wondering what other fitness activities do you do to keep yourself fit for showjumping?
Helen Tremlett Hello
I do atheletics. A lot of running and fitness work. In the summer I run most nights and go to Bath University for Pentathalon Training once a week.
Jess
hi
what height do you jump at home?
best wishes x
emily Hello
with the ponies we would never jump more than 1.20m but mostly around 1m. The horses max of 1.30.
We do lots of small grids and atheletic jumping with the novices but never challenge them.
Jess
Hello, I have an ex-jumping pony who we bought mainly for dressage. I was told my some previous owners that it was very likley that she was over jumped when she was younger, which is why they sold her as she wouldn't make a bsja pony. Do you have any advice on how I could help her relax and not rush, because she often runs out and stops. I'm not wanting to do loads of competing, but I want to do a few small classes at shows this summer.
Thanks very much.
Lottie Hello
sounds like somebody jumped it too big too early. The confidence needs re building. You need to go back to basics and jump it nice and steady over cross poles then move up bit by bit.
Take your time and dont expect miracles. Just a little bit at a time.
A trotting pole in front of a small fence and halting square 4 metres infront then trot over it and pull up after two or three strides usually slows it down.
Good luck
Jess
hi jess
what was the fashion shoot you did for ?
aimee Hello
for Ariat and another sponsor to chose some photos. It was really good fun.
Jess
what is the highest you have ever jumped??
best wishes x
amy x
amy young Hi
we dont jump big at home but I won a puissance at 1.90.
Jess
hi jess,
I have a 138cm pony that I have owned for 2 years and he hasn't had and trouble jumping in the past but now sometimes he tenses up his muscles and stops, do you think that is because he just doesn't want to jump any more or is it my fault?
thanks, Sydney
Sydney Rudge Hello
have you checked everything to see he is not in pain. Have his back looked at
Jess
hellooo
What age did you start bsja?
Holly Youles Hello
I started BSJA at 6.
Jess
Hello, actually i have a really weird question but how tall are you? I feel like i´m too tall for my pony
Maria Hello
I am 1.62. In my last year of 128s I started getting too tall and had to have my stirrups up so I know what you mean.
Jess
hi jess
my horse is a 15hh and she loves to jump but should there me a limit to how high she should jump ?
jodie xxx
jodie shotter Hello
Just follow the BSJA route. Start of in Novice and work your way up. You will soon feel when your horse is struggling. I have had ponies that I thought would only jump 1m and they have won National Titles. Each one will develop differently and you must not pre judge them on the way up. They can surprise you. Just take your time.
Jess
Hi Jessica
How do you handle school and horse riding? Do you have people riding your ponies during the week?
Thanks.
Amie Hello,
My school is only 5 mins away. I dropped some subjects like latin etc and my mum pick me up and I school them. We have a groom who hacks some of them in between. But never schools them.
Jess
Hey jess, I have a very green five year old who is finally starting to come around on the flatwork. He loves his jumping and is keen to please, but is finding it hard to sort out his legs with strides and he always lands on the wrong leg, any tips?
Amelia Howison Hello
it sounds like he is green. First start to work on trotting poles. Spend a time on one pole here and there around the arena. Then build up to 2 then 3 or 4 max. Idea is he will start to understand how to co ordinate his legs. Its a slow process but it will click. Once you have done that then you will need to move on to grids. Before you do that let me know his height and stride size and I will give you an idea of distances in the grids.
good luck
Jess
hixx
i was just wondering how did you get sponsers ? i would like to start showjumping but first i need a sponsers x
thanks
sophie xx Hello
its a bit like the chicken and egg. You need to be doing well before sponsors will give anything away and you need sponsors to get going. I do not think its realistic to hope that sponsors will get you going. You are going to have to come up with another idea. What about getting a little bit of money from a few differnt relatives and family friends?
Good luck with everything
Jess
hi jess
my JA pony jump over massive fences at home around 1.35 - 1.40. but recently at showjumping shows hes starting to stop at the jumps and i cant really use spurs cause hes a really strong and fizzy pony and i dont want him to go ant quicker. do you have any idea why he is doing this?
amelia x
amelia jackson Hello
its a hard question to answer without knowing the pony. Because he is experienced and has ability there must be another reason. Tell me more about the pony
Jess
hi jess x
i was just wondering did you sell spring disney to mandy hall x
louisex Hello
yes we did. she is doing really well I see. We are so pleased that she has such a good home.
Jess
hi jess,
ive noticed that when im jumping or riding normally my pony seems to cross her jaw when i ask her to come back, at the moment shes in a caverson and has always been in on. do you think its worth trying a different nose band? also what type of spurs can you use in bsja that arent to harsh but help with support?
daisy Hello
sounds like you need to put either a Grackle or a drop on it. Maybe have to explore a new bit. When they lock their jaw like that its a signal that they want to take control of the last few strides. Its a habit you need to get the pony over. You must decide the rhythm and pace. It does go back to basics and flat work. You controlling the canter stride and distances etc. Go back to canter poles and take the control back.The noseband and bits will "aid" the problem but the solution may be back to the basics.
Jess
hi jess,
ive just got a 4 year old mare (show jumper) and i want to start bsja in about a year when we get used to each other but im really nervous and i know my pony can do it she has real potential but im so nervous, so what would you advise for me? and whats bsja like?
Hayley Lewis Hi
BSJA does not mean its harder. In fact its easier because the courses are built by qualified course builders and they know how to build for novices. Do plenty of courses at home and lots of good practice and it will be easy. Dont worry too much, its meant to be our fun so just enjoy it.
Jess
hi jess :D
how do you handle pressure and keep your nerves under control at shows i get really nervous espeshaly when jumping the bigger tracks of about 1m there not that big but my ponys only young
secondly how do you stop your nerves when jumping bigger than what you would normally jump i jump the 95 cm and 1m tracks atm but i want to start jumping 1.10 however i get really nervous and it effects my riding and my ponys performance
many thanks
x x x
c moult Hello
it really is a question of confidence. Just that. A horse can only tell the diffence between 5cm if it is at its maximum limit. I doubt whether your horse is at its limit. So its all in the mind. The only way to overcome it is to keep jumping successfully at the lower height.
Then your confidence should just come.
The truth is if you can jump 1m you can jump 1.10m. Just believe in yourself.
Jess
hi Jess! I find it hard to handle pressure and stress at shows, how do you handle it?
thanks, Sydney
Sydney Rudge Hello
i think that the more shows you do the less stressed you become. Really when you look at it we are just jumping over poles in a barn. Its not life or death. just be cool. Whats the worst that can happen. We fall off an look like a fool. So what. Point is we all worry too much what other people think. Try to enjoy it and dont worry about other people.
Jess
Hi Jess,
my pony seems to hesitate before the jump and puts in an extra, i have been keeping my leg on to help help her though it doesn't seem to make a difference. Also whenever i try and set her up towards the jump she always seems to cross her jaw and shes in a caverson at the moment, what do i do/
Thanks Lauren.
Lauren Broe Hello
thats one of the hardest problems to deal with. Start off with a cross pole and put a ground line 12 paces away. Let the pony learn there is only one place to take off from and feel comfortable. Try to get him to put three strides in. If it works keep doing it and alter the fence shape. He needs to get confidence in himself. If he wont do it then go back a step to canter poles and get him to learn to measure his stride.
jess
Hey, i have a really weird question, but how tall are you? I´m riding ponies too and i think all the time that i´m too tall for ponies...
Maria Hi
I am 167cm. I still think I am ok. When I rode 128s I got too big at the end.
Jess
Hello
out of all of the ponies you have owned, which one is your favorite?
Izzy Hello
the best pony I have ever had is Tixylix.
Jess
Hi Jess
I've got a super six year old dark grey 14.2 who looks very much like your Alfie! His tail is half white though and we really struggle to make it look clean. How do you get Razorlite's tail to look so white! I'd love to know what products you use as we seem to have to wash his tail a few times to get it to look reasonable. I'm a big fan of yours and follow your blog all the time!
Many thanks, Emma
Emma Campbell Hi
mum does it with White and Bright shampoo. I think you can get it from horse health products.
Hope that helps
Jess
Hi,
How do you keep your horses interested in show jumping throughout the year? Do you jump them a lot at home?
Thanks, Hannah x
Hannah Grey Hello
we very rarely jump any of the experienced ones at home we just flat school them. The novice ones we jump twice a week over technical fences or combinations to try and educate them.
We hardly ever jump big fences at home.
We have Tixylix for three years and jumped her twice. She spends her time flat schooling and hacking out.
Hope this helps.
Jess
hi jess
what do ou look for in a good horse ?
thanks, hannah
Hannah Robinson Hello,
Number one is a big heart. If I had the choice betwwen talented horse with no heart and an average one with a big heart I would take the average one. When you are flat out at an angle in a jump off you need to know your horse is going to try for you.
Also when the horse is light on his feet. all the good ones are quiet across the ground.
hope this helps
Jess
I have a four year old that gets really excited before a fence and rushes any ideas?
Sandy Simmock Go back to trotting poles and really small 80cm fences. Its usually because they are frightened or nervous. They just need to know its fun and easy. No pressure and try and build some trust and pony confidence.
Jess
whats your best win?
Lilly My best win was the Hengelo Grand Prix in Holland. It was so fast in the jump off and there was no room for a mistake. Tixylix was awesome.
Hi Jess
How old were you when you won your first competition?
Thanks, Ian
Ian Piper Thank you for your great question Ian! I was 7 when I won my first competition.
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