Jumping on your own

kschmittendorf · Well Schooled

Jumping on your own

prospect · Advanced

I would consider bringing in a coach or shipping into someone once a week or every other week - I don't think it is a good idea to jump alone.

cjroyg · Well Schooled

I don't think its a good idea because no one can tell you what you are doing wrong and hel you get better. And if you are only in a field that is not made for show jumping/hunter it could be dangerous.

sedonasilver · Advanced

cjroyg wrote:
I don't think its a good idea because no one can tell you what you are doing wrong and hel you get better.

A very good point cjroyg :)

However, if the stable is predominately dressage they might not know what to look for anyways. But a rider should always welcome constructive critisism.

I jump by myself all the time. Not because I want to but out of necessity. A lot of people ride earlier than I do, so have already left the stables by the time I arrive in the evening.

I keep my mobile phone in my pocket at all times, and I also make sure my housemates know what time I plan on being home.

It helps that because I ride in the evenings sometimes with the flood lights on and if they are left on after 8pm someone from the house always comes down to check and switch everything off.

Basically if you dont feel comfortable jumping with no one there, dont do :) Flat work is just as essential to a jumpers training so focus on that when you're alone and plan ahead to make sure you have a friend with you when you want to jump.

SoftTouchTraining · Well Schooled

I jump by myself 90% of the time. But for safety reason there is always someone around just in case. One thing you could do is set up a video camera or have someone tape you while you are jumping, then at least you can see what you are doing. I would also set up lessons with a trainer to that you keep from developing bad habits.

justice · Grand Prix

Usually best to work with someone else there when jumping but when the options are slim to none, perhaps letting someone know your intentions can help. Set a time that you willl be out there, and how long you expect to be jumping and hopefully someone can accompany you. IF no one available or willing, work under the level you would normally compete or lesson at, or make arrangements for assistance at another facility.

Kate Rocky · Foal

I agree with the above posts that it is best to have a set of eyes on the ground when you are jumping. Not only is there someone there to catch your mistakes but I find you are more accountable to yourself and your horse.
If you have to jump on your own, set a lesson plan and follow it. Decide on the number of warm up jumps you will do and how many times you will practice an exercise.
Create new exercices for each schooling session-don't do the same thing over and over as it is boring for horse and rider.

-- Edited by Kate Rocky on Thursday 18th of November 2010 04:00:14 PM

Gary Stuart · Well Schooled

You might also see if there are jumping clinics in your area to get that expert input, at least on a semi-regular basis.

Barbara F · Grand Prix

I jump tiny jumps on my own, because our jumps are set up at the top of a hill a bit far from the barn and no one is usually around.

I only do really low jumps that can come down though.

deb · Well Schooled

Hi

Yes I rode as the only eventer in a western barn, and the only eventer in a dressage barn, as well as a barn where they only had old horses that they hacked on... I rode with them when I was doing flat work, or on my hacks for the company that horses love, and I rode as many different grids as possible when I jumped... I was never one to overjump, so where I was they didn't mind poles all over the place and I rode over a lot of poles as well... for control and so on... my young horses seemed okay with the company and the alone time... so it worked, my old horses had seen it all and didn't care anyway... good luck deb

UnbridledRider · Yearling

I definitely agree with safety, but I think it's good to ride alone from time to time without someone influencing your thoughts. Learning and feeling for yourself can give you a deeper understanding of what works and what doesn't. Keeping up with lessons is always a must, but jumping alone (preferrably with poles or up to 2'3" at the highest) could be just as beneficial as practicing alone on the flat if you keep in mind what your coach tells you in lessons and tell someone where you're at/have phone on you.