AboutDorothy Morris-Robinson Expertise I have been training and rehabilitating horses, and training riders for combined training for over 40 years, in Virginia and California. This includes dressage, cross country obstacles and show jumping. Years ago I earned my colors with the Blue Ridge Hunt Club in VA. I currently train and teach at my ranch in Kennewick, WA. I can answer certain questions about starting young horses in English riding: dressage, jumping, cross country obstacles and basic equitation. I can help with rehabilitation of spoiled or difficult horses; however, many problems require sustained riding instruction/training and I cannot do this online. Some issues need to be observed to come to a correct diagnosis. If your problem is of this type, please find a qualified instructor/trainer. I cannot give riding lessons via email.
Experience Experience in the area: Over 40 years of English riding experience, including Fox Hunting in Virginia, training young horses for hunting and/or eventing. Coached Desiree Smith from her beginning at Training Level Combined tests through her competition at two Junior International competition Three Day Events. She rode my horse that I also started and trained her to ride. This combination competed in the World Championship Three Day in Lexington, KY in 1978. I trained another horse (TB) through 3rd Level Dressage and jumping. He eventually competed at Advanced level Three Day. I recently re-trained a mare that came to me as "unhandleable" after having had 5 owners in less than 18 months. She is now one of the sweetest tempered mares I have ever owned and given us a handsome, Premium colt by Ideal. I have reschooled several horses with difficulties ranging from running away to running backward, to not allowing a bridle to be put on, to kicking out at the farrier, being "too much on the muscle over jumps", etc
Organizations National Society Daughters of the Revolution (DAR): USDF
Publications Four novels (I am also a novelist)
Education/Credentials Some college
Awards and Honors Who's Who of American Women, Who'w Who in America, Past Board of Directors FDIC-NACM
Sara Zomo wrote at 2007-08-10 20:30:43
Hello Dorthy,
The best way to teach a horse to jump on your own is free jumping. Build a chute starting from a corner working its way down the long side of the arena and place a pole on the ground. Walk him through the chute over the pole to let him understand what is asked of him. Once he does, let him loose. Use a longe whip and guide him into the chute. Once in the chute use very calm and encouraging language to get him to go over the pole. He may run around back wards and jump out of the chute, many modifications will be needed to fit any problem. Once they are made, continue the same routine. Raise the pole to a crossrail and so forth. DO NOT RUSH THE HORSE! Many horses are ruined by chasing them to the fences, as well as many accidents can occur. Do this every other day and increase height SLOWLY. Before you can get on his back he must know how to jump, which is what we are doing here. To increase confidence you can also get a long rope/lead rope, and physically JUMP the jumps with him. Teach him to trust you and himself. It looks ridiculous but it pays off in the end. Confidence is key to jumping. Good Luck!
