Train Your Confidence #3

Check out parts #1 and #2 

Confidence on the Cross Country

Jumping cross country can be pretty daunting, the solid jumps and pace take a little to get used to, but there is no reason why you can't go out and have fun on the XC course. I only started XC with Gigi last year, we didn't have the opportunity to go out and give it a go before then , the closest we had been was jumping the occasional small log. So when we got the opportunity to go out to a cross country course we wanted to make the most of it. 

The Venue

Pick a nice venue, well kept, good quality jumps. This really helps to settle some nerves. Just knowing the ground and jumps are of good quality helps. A good quality venue will also have similar jumps of varying sizes, this is helpful for getting used to what the jump looks like, then going up a bit. 

Company

Take a friend, a confident friend will help, or one with more experience. Use them as a lead from the start, jump a few fences, following them around a bit of a course. You can always jump the smaller version if they do the bigger. My first XC outing, I followed three other horses, they all jumped the bigger jumps so naturally I followed their tracks and went over the same ones. Without them I don't think I would have pushed myself to try the bigger fences.

Take It Easy

Take it easy, don't push your horse too hard. If you don't get a chance to jump something, there is always next time. Keep your head up, look ahead and maintain an easy pace. Don't go too fast, speed will come with time. Remember, if you can't jump it at home, don't jump it out and about, not unless you are completely sure your horse can make the jump. I have schooled Gigi up to 1m50 at home, we normally jump between 1m-1m30 so on the XC course we have jumped 80cm-1m20. There may have been a couple bigger jumps but not many.  If you don't think your horse can jump it, don't attempt it. 

Jump. Treat. Repeat. 

Horses learn from repetition, so keep at it. Didn't quite get it right? Go round again. Remember to treat your horse after each jump, a positive "good girl/boy" will do. Gigi responds very well to my voice, it helps her with her confidence, and she knows when shes done well, making her want to do it again. Most horses aim to please, positive reinforcement will help you to get the best results. Negative reinforcement can make your horse shy away from the jumps and become reluctant to jump them. 

Smile

Enjoy yourself, smile and have fun. Cross country should be fun. The more you practice the better you will get and the more you do something, the easier it will become. Don't be afraid to attempt anything, if you are unsure, go steady and try the smaller one first. 

You Got This!