So this was my debut in the 1.10m with this horse. He is almost 7 years old. Dutch warmblood and 17hh. He jumps HUGE. He still needs tons of work on his form and technique. He loves long spots and launching himself. Excuse my position I was trying to hang on for dear life haha. Please judge mainly him! 
My main question: I have been doing tons of grid work and 9 foot poles infront of jumps. When it comes to a course though he still takes off WELL before he is suppose to. What else can I do to get him deeper in the fence when there isn’t a pole? I’ll hold him right there but he still launches himself.
So this is for everyone’s entertainment. This was a show in july where he did a two stride in a one (over 1.10m)….. he still got clear in the course… but it’s DANGEROUS and scary to be on haha https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=3530617477956
9 foot poles are a good starter exercise, but he needs GRIDS. Set them slightly tight, so he LEARNS to appreciate those short spots. Good jumper have to jump from tight spots…that’s how they get their hind ends underneath themselves so they can push off with all their strength
A little lost with his legs in that 2nd photo, and really “reachy” in that 3rd photo. Work him on tight spots….that will also help him to fold his front legs underneath his chest where they belong, and NOT reach them out in front of himself like this.
That’s hysterical, because in my first 1.10m this April, my horse did the same thing. He took a two stride in a one, perfectly! Needless to say, I was absolutely terrified. Lovely horse and good job staying with him
Remember grids and pole exercises will help his form but you still need to ride on course.
You need to have a strong leg on and push him into your hands and MAKE him wait for the distance. He gets either eager on course or finds it easier to flatten out and jump long. Either way you need to package him up, send him forward and have him settle in front of the jumps and wait.