Things You'll Need:
- Several solid fences
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Step 1
Begin your training session by jumping several regular fences with jumping poles. This shows the horse that he should be focused on jumping and prepares him for more challenging tasks ahead.
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Step 2
Let your horse sniff and touch the solid fences in the arena. Many horses are calmed when they know they can touch something with their noses and not get hurt. This is especially true for colored fences, such as bright green or blue roll tops.
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Step 3
Jump 1 or 2 single rail fences again to remind him that he is supposed to be jumping, then aim him at a solid fence with your legs squeezing him forward. Give him enough rein so that he has his head, but not so much that he can duck out or refuse.
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Step 4
Prepare for the horse to pause before jumping solid fences as he figures out what he's supposed to do. He may come to a complete standstill, then launch himself over the fence. This is very uncomfortable for the rider, so make sure you have an elastic seat.
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Step 5
Reward the horse for jumping solid fences as soon as you hit the ground. A few kind words and strokes of the neck should be sufficient, as you shouldn't feed the horse treats when his bit is still in his mouth.
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Step 6
Work the horse over several solid fences until he jumps them as smoothly as he does single rails. Realize that this might take a few training sessions, but he will figure it out.
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Step 7
Lunge your horse over solid fences if he really doesn't want to jump them. This takes the rider out of the equation and allows him to figure it out with no input or interference from you. Just make sure you remove the standards so they don't get caught in the lunge line.
