Q: My pony is generally very forward going and happy to jump. However, the second you introduce any type of filler, she is a nervous wreck. How can I help her with this?
A: With these kinds of issues, the best advice is to go back to basics.
The first thing to do is practice simple poles on the ground and then turn them into small jumps at the end of a line. To begin with, we would advise starting in the trot, so you trot over the poles and the small fence.
Once you have your pony listening to you, you can gradually introduce fillers below the jump at the end of the line. To do this, get someone to help you to put the filler on the outside of the jump and gradually pull it into the middle and then all the way across the jump.
Once your pony is happy with this, you can swap the trotting poles for canter poles and keep the jump small. You can then begin again to move the filler in from the outside of the jump to the middle and gradually move it all the way across.
It is also worth practising these exercises in different places and with different fillers and poles. This ensures your pony really is okay with the concept of fillers.
Of course, it goes without saying that you will need to ride confidently, and if you are nervous, it might be best to ask your coach to ride your pony down these lines the first few times. If you are worried and expecting a problem, something is bound to go wrong. Instead, set yourself up for success and ride down the line as if you were approaching any other fence that your pony would usually clear without an issue. Confidence is key!
