The ‘fear’ of jumping is something that I encounter a lot. Sometimes this is as a result of a fall, sometimes it’s simply time out of the saddle and sometimes it has nothing to do with jumping at all.
While I don’t believe that any coach can wave a permanent magic wand to ‘fix’ this problem, I do believe that there is so much that can be done to REDUCE anxiety around jumping.
1. Trust
Find a coach who understands you and where your fears are coming from. It’s important to trust your coach and have the feeling that you know they would never ask you to do anything they don’t think you are capable of.
2. Own your feelings
Take ownership of how you feel. This can be a challenge because lots of us don’t want to admit how we are feeling – but voicing your feelings is healthy.
BUT – there is a fine line between sharing how you feel, so that you can be supported, and the detrimental effects of negative self-talk and dramatising past events. This is really damaging and requires some work on your mindset which is quite often more useful done off the horse and can give you addition tools. (Read our previous blog on negative self talk)
3. Jump every time you ride
Jump every time you ride. No, I’m not kidding! I don’t mean a full jumping lesson every time you sit on your horse – but I do mean go over a few poles, cross poles or small uprights every single time you ride – before a hack, after a hack, during a schooling session.
Positive repetition is the most powerful tool you have, yet the most common mistake people make, is leaving it weeks in between jumping and then question why they feel so nervous again.
4. Consolidate
Know when to consolidate. As riders we always seem to strive for more. While being ambitious is good as it pushes development, it is also crucial to consolidate. Each time you consolidate you’ll have a new ‘base line’ to start from again, should you have a bump in your road.
When consolidating spend enough time jumping the same height fences until they feel boring. Use this time to focus on doing some useful exercises to improve technique and develop your skills.
5. Connect
Connect with people who really understand how you feel – but who are encouraging in equal measures. Being able to share the highs and lows, the fears and the achievements is such an important part of the journey so you know that your feelings are valid and you don’t feel alone.
We are biased but we think our community in EquiTeam Connected is the best that you will come across for this.
6. Don't look back
Don’t look back and compare yourself to the ‘former showjumper’ you once were 25+ years ago. Nothing good ever came from this. Things change, people change, horses change, so put any feelings of self-pressure to the back of your mind, and instead focus on what you can control.
7. Set goals
Set some achievable jumping goals. There is nothing like a time specific goal or a forthcoming competition or clinic to make you work harder, be more determined and get out riding even when you normally wouldn’t have the motivation.
Use this to your advantage!
8. Enjoy the ride
Enjoy it! My last secret is this… there is nothing written anywhere in the equestrian world that says you HAVE to jump. If you really really hate it then don’t do it! If your horse loves it but you don’t – ask someone else to pop a few cross poles on them to give them variety. There is always a solution.
My point being that you don’t have to do anything you don’t want and don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise.
Liz x
