First let's look at a couple of reasons why horses rush their jumps. Nerves Regardless of how successful or experienced you are as a rider, at some point in your showing career you'll be faced with a bout of the jitters, and it's understandable. After all the lessons, all the preparation, the real test is whether you can perform well enough to win a ribbon against your peers. If you're like many junior riders, you have a favorite pony that you're quite attached to. It could be a scruffy Shetland, a golden Halflinger, a spotted POA or a fancy Welsh hunter.
Ponies seem to be a child's favorite mount.
Nerves Top three-day event Kerry T. Millikin has seen her share of tense competitions, most noticeably at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics where she won the individual Bronze medal with her thoroughbred gelding Out and About. Few things can lower the score of your hunter or equitation round more than a missed flying lead change. In tough competition you could still be out of the ribbons with a sticky lead change. Get your legs underneath you. Yes, it's a show, but you're late for your class.