Listening to Han helping you out on that 3rd round really brought a tear to my eye - she's such a super supportive friend 🥹 she's repeating all the crucial bits of your training with Piggy and Lucinda at you at exactly the time you needed it xx
Hey meg. I would recommend you to have two reins in the Pelham bit so you don’t have a constant pressure on the strong end - you can’t really have a soft contact without. And your horse will only get stronger on a stronger bit in the end. Be careful pulling. You both can do it Trust your horse, and trust yourself. Only a little advice. ❤
@@nicoleemmondsit does not have the same effect. The top one is the “snaffle” part of the Pelham, and the bottom is for leverage. When you use a converter, you are constantly activating the leverage, even when you don’t really need it or want it. The Pelham is best used with 2 sets of reins, not a converter. I love Meg and feel for her, as I’ve struggled off and on with trusting my horse as well, but I truly don’t think she needs the Pelham on Jam!
Agreed. I was looking for this comment. I don't agree with Pelham bits tbh, especially with roundings. They can be used well with two reins if you're very specific with the pressure, but I don't think it's a good solution to "needing more control" because it just... pulls at them, constantly. One of my horses was an ex hunter that was ridden in a really thick mullen pelham with roundings, and he is so bit averse now that we switched him completely to bitless when we got him. Poor thing must have had his mouth yanked on so much with this thing. Not saying that's what Meg is doing, of course, as clarification to anyone dumb enough to try and call me out for no reason... It's just... A very quick "solution" to a problem that requires work... and it'll only get worse the more you bit up to avoid it, because you're going to have to keep bitting up...
@@Charbified yep, agreed! Meg does lots of dressage and flatwork with her horses, so I know it’s not a lack of training there. I think it’s just a crutch because of her nerves, which I totally get. I have a young OTTB mare who is lovely, but some days I just find myself lacking confidence. It happens! Hopefully, she will choose a softer bit for show jumping again.
MEG! That was bloody amazing! And what a gem Han is! The support and confidence she was giving you was immense and you could tell she was saying all the right things at the right times. You can Jam looked mega! You should be so proud of yourself for going out and doing it on your own without an instructor!❤❤
As someone who studies for the mental aspect of sports, I want to give you some friendly advice. Do with it what you want :) I've noticed the girl on the ground and you yourself talking to you in: "don't panic" "don't fiddle" "don't stop her". What is your mind gonna be focused on? Right, panicking and fiddling.. So what signals will your brain most likely give? .. Mayby try talking to yourself in: "Relax" "you can trust" "let her go". When you're focusing on that, your brain will know which signals to give to create what you want. Focusing on what NOT to do, will put your brain in a state of doing absolutely nothing or sending the signals you dont want it to send. When you're focusing on what you want to create, your brain will know what to do! The instructor of your last video did that very nicely, focusing on what you want to do! But also worth mentioning, you're doing incredible! It's a tough journey you're in and you're so strong going through it! 💕
You are SO right! Take out all the negatives (as my mom always taught me when training any animal, “don’t say ‘don’t’ “. Animals don’t understand the “don’t” part, they just pick up on the image/idea of what you’re projecting. So if you say “don’t jump on me” to a dog, they hear (and pick up the mental image of) “jump on me”. Instead, use a positive command such as “stay on the floor”. Our brains work in the same manner. Like you said, saying to yourself “don’t pull on her” puts the idea and image of “pull on her” into your brain. It’s SO important to change our thinking and wording to a positive, like “allow her to keep cantering”. It really does help change your mentality when you use positive wording (which creates positive images in your brain). You are right on the money with this advice!
Cameron gave Emily the best simple advice that stuck with me “get a good canter; then the last 3 strides are all hers” (no last minute checking). Love you & Jammy 🤩🤩
I actually love Hans support she knows exactly what Meg needs and the way she supports Meg is so lovely it shows how much confidence she has in Meg and know what she's capable of ♥
i love meg since you are so realistic, you don’t only show the goods you show everything! it makes me feel better as we ride the exact same so seeing someone else that also struggles with confidence but you are doing great meg well done ❤
You did so well.Meg!! Han was right, keeping you on the straight and narrow as she did. Well done Han!! Now you KNOW, Meg, that Jam knows when to ADD a stride or not, and related distances are not an issue for her. She has a HORSE STRIDE!! So utilize it, compress when you need to, but always, always remember, RIDE FORWARD and don't Fidget so much!! Trust Jam, she knows her job, and she knows it well. As she showed you when she came to that stop in that related distance. I believe you can do anything, and do it very well. You just proved to yourself you can do it without having a meltdown. You recognized your error and corrected it immediately. That's true horsemanship Meg. So chuffed to watch you grow from this fall that you took at Bicton. You have learned so much about yourself. It is a joy to watch you grow into a wonderful horsewoman in her own right. Just as Piggy March and Lucinda had to. Best Regards from your friend the Retired Paramedic, a S&R Dog and Handler Team Trainer,Horse Trainer and FEI Level 2 Coach and Judge, from Ontario, Canada, Jenn.💖💖🇨🇦🇬🇧
Excellent! Personally, I noticed the less you interfere with Jam, the more she lands on the correct lead. She used to always be on the incorrect lead after every jump, and you were trotting way more often between jumps. During this video, she even tried numerous times to do lead changes. She got it in front but the back was off. Glad to see you making some great advancements.
I think we learned a lot! Han is great at offering coaching without taking away your chance to stretch beyond having an instructor, Jammy has brushed up on her sliding stop so she can say "Not today sister 🚫" when a fence isn't right and safe, and best of all I think is Meg having those moments of panic but then recovering so well into a positive, thoughtful mindset. That's the goal right, we all have panicky moments and we shouldn't really aspire to *never* feel those feelings: to recover well is the point. Fingers crossed the weather is kinder this weekend, but either way looking forward to seeing the great team of Meg and Jammy out there! 🎉
Meg, I think you need to realize that the jumps were you got ‘close’ isn’t a miss it’s just not the exact perfect spot. Jam is fine jumping there and has plenty of scope. As my trainer said - you don’t have to look pretty you just need to get round safe and clear!
So much great progress, Meg. You have clearly worked hard on taming the fear beast. Han is brilliant; you are such good friends for each other :) You are pulling much less and I'm sure this trend will continue. Jam knows her job and knows how to make strides. You might even look at your Bicton fall, as a cloud with silver-lining: you've always pulled a bit with Jam, been little afraid of her boldness. I think it has been an ongoing problem for you. Your fall has forced you to face those fears head-on. You are a beautiful, sensitive rider. I love hearing you doing your Lucinda-counting under your breath. Looking forward to seeing you soar more this season :)
You and the pony are a team but frankly, at the moment, when you get in the ring or on course you are simply only in conversation with yourself Meg. That pony can sail round that course all you have to do is remember the route and go with her ! You are so utterly capable in the saddle on what is a fantastically capable horse but you must learn that you can ride a fence on what ever stride you hit it. Perfection doesn’t exist and you’ll mess it up trying to find it. Trust as you say and then enjoy your round. Watch a few others those that are riding team chase or following drag hunts. Where you just have to go with the flow from any conceivable angle or stride. And one day soon it’ll simply click and you’ll own your ability and you’ll trust it and your horse. This is your ah ha moment coming up.
Ahhh well done! I love when you were figure out the answer wasn't "don't check her" but rather "don't check her without a reason"! I went through a very similar stage of riding but sadly, the coaching I received at the time made me feel like adjusting, shortening or checking my horse was the wrong answer no matter what. I was encouraged to ride distances that I knew were bad so early and just not improve it or touch my horse. It made everything so much worse and shook my confidence/set me back so far. Thankfully, I'm out the other end of it but I'm glad on your journey you have such great help and you are coming out of it so quickly! It is so wonderful for us all to watch.
What you are doing with your confidence is so so admirable Meg. It must take such guts to just keep going. I'm so impressed. Jam looks amazing and as always you ride her beautifully. I had tears in my eyes listening to Han - what a treasure of a friend. Everything she said was spot on and she obviously cares enormously for you, it was so touching to watch and listen to.
Part of the trouble when she refused began way before you realized and I didn't hear anyone speak about it yet...if you feel her stall out and you think you need to click to her for encouragement...you are probably using too much rein pressure unawares. So mentally rehearse feeling the stall in energy, sit a tad heavier with your upper body a tad farther back. Add LEG and put the hands a bit more forward WITHOUT clicking to her. She CAN jump higher than you realize WITHOUT charging toward the jumps. The key is to trust the rhythm. Do this with shorter jumps so you are less tense about making a change like this. When you click to her, you are running OVER your bit pressure. This could be a holdover from when you were small and depended on strong rein pressure to pull you over the jump and made you feel more secure. Then she starts getting stronger and stronger and you get worried and tense and pull more. This is VERY common in the United States. I see this in almost every single jumper at some point. So the answer is to just circle big, get the rhythm again, depend on that rhythm, concentrate on the swing of your seat and allow her to move forward. She is powerful and you know it and it is a tad scary, so dropping the jumps a tad while recalibrating her to a lighter bit pressure, sitting back to allow her to move forward, hands more forward when she stalls, and hum/sing in rhythm to get your mind less busy. Your body can do this and does excellently when your mind lets you relax and allows that talent to come forward. Put down some random Canter poles to discourage charging as well. Bigger bits are just a temporary fix. You will get this! ❤ 🎉
The Dream Team on the go!! 💗💗💗💗👣👣👣🐴 Flying smoothly and softly over the fences, you always ride so gently and beautifully Megan💕. An inspiration. That is what you are. Be proud!! Lots of love to you, Jam, sweetheart Han and the kindest soul Pete. Pete ROCKS!! 😘
It’s so lovely to see you shining again Meg! You are doing absolutely incredible and have come a long way, you should be so proud of yourself! Absolutely loving seeing you gain more confidence on every video so far, keep shining beautiful ❤
well done meg even if badminton doesn't go the way you plan just remember that you had a bad fall and you have still gone and tried at one off the biggest comps in the world and have gave it your all x
Good job Meg - I noticed when you let her go moved your hands a little forward before the jump instead of really holding her you had a better distance and better jump - those were the times when you were trusting her - relaxing your hands works really well
It takes a great horseperson to understand and know when we make mistakes AND apologize to the horse for making those mistakes; especially whilst riding them. I've only been following for about a year, but I can see your confidence in yourself and in Jammie grow and build. Trust her, for sure. Conne's are the truest ponies for confidence builders. (I had a Connemara gelding named Rascal Mike when I was 9-13. He was my heart horse and taught me so very much. We evented, too. ❤) Keep on!
Just want to say Meg u r helping me so much sharing this I am having trouble with my ponies at the moment but seeing u push through the hard time with your horses is making me do it to Thank u
That was a lovely jumping session with Jam after she was ready to work she did a great job and. Hannah was a great coach for you, she really knows how to help you. I cannot wait to see how well everything goes as you bring the three horses into fitness and start showing. Jane. ❤️🧑🏻🦰❤️🐴
Hey meg - you look fab! confidence is slowly coming back... one thing I would say is, you are in one of the strongest bits really, be careful with pulling. you could get away with it a bit more before but it will hurt when you do pull and then that's what ends in a stop as showed. I also noticed you send to pull to get a lead change, again, realistically shouldn't be your aid, especially in a Pelham, pulling should be the last option. just a bit of advice :)
11:53 was a brilliant transition! you breathed, and let it happen and jam stayed in a contact. when your training circles to get leads can happen so if your in a course with a jump coming up and you don't feel like you can do a flying change just circle, as pulling is not the answer to make her go gobby to do a downwards transition
I cannot wait to watch this video. Meg, you are such an inspiration, and seeing all the moments, good and bad, is what makes you an amazing equestrian!
You’re getting so much more confident. I’m so proud of you. It still seems you’re pulling a lot of the time. Try to keep your soft contact but utilize half halts instead of the constant pulling pressure. Before every jump, you are pulling so hard, you’re killing her power at the same time and you can literally see her jumping so hard to get over it with the reduced power. Try to use half halts to steady her pace but preserve her power and momentum to actually get over the jump. Practice giving your hands to her alittle more, sit back, sit up, shoulders back and feel the motion of the jump with her. You seem to stiffen up before you jump. Relax and trust her. You guys are an amazing team and she’s going to take care of you. Can’t wait to keep watching you learn and grow. So so proud of Meg!!
This video helped me so much! I struggle with the same things, since I had a bad fall and sliced my arm open. You going through the same thing and showing me that you can have great moments and that you can persevere, it helps me try to do the same. I love you so much and never stop. ❤
i loved this video was so great to watch! and han was so supportive we all need someone like her ! and your confidence will get better the more you do it, well done meg
Love Han, she is so funny, and supportive of you. You did really well, and you are right you need to trust your ponies, they are intelligent, they can work things out, and will always try to get you over the jumps safely.
I know I keep saying this but I feel like I’m watching my own demons when I watch you Meg 😂 all I do is check check check and look for that perfect ‘stride’ I need to trust mine too. You are riding SO well! Just love watching you jumping Jam ❤️ good luck at the weekend. Youve got this xxx
Meg Im saying this with peace and love (Im always in the comments saying how much i love you BECAUSE I DOOOO) but iv noticed that the lack of lead changes in the ponies seems to cause some balancing mishaps. Iv noticed as a North American that here we expect almost all levels of horses to have a change, however I noticed in the UK (only knowledge is from youtube lol) That changes are not as prominent. Anyways, all to say I feel like getting them to have auto changes would be a huge boost to help the whole picture feel a bit more stable.
Well done Megs you are amazing to continue working through your Demons. And Han....you are Fab. You did a brilliant job of encouraging and being ground support. And not letting Meg chicken out. Well done girls 🎉
Hi meg! Han is amazing, the confidence she was giving both you and jam are incredible, we all need a han :) mums motto is " theres no such word as can't!" Although you some days you feel like you can't keep remembering that motto I works! You are an inspiration all of you and it's amazing watching you make come back, live, laugh and love you Meggie 💕
Been to Lincomb twice now and going there again next week for a fun ride. Absolutely love this place and if your local I would definitely recommend going! The jumps are lovely and (at least for me) they are really welcoming and gave me a bunch of confidence. Brilliant riding today Meg btw!! It’s so good to see you regaining your confidence ❤❤
Re-watching you struggles with confidence is helping me so much Right now. I'm moving into Eventing finally after 2 years of hunters (wasn't for me) and a year off just dinking around in my pony. I'm struggling with confidence in my horse even though I know he can do it.
I recall that in the first boot camp you did with Lucinda she told you Jam was "a pony that rides like a horse". I could hear her voice saying " Sit up!" as well. She also said not to worry if your horse is on the wrong lead because they can't jump unless they right themselves, which they do. All in all that was a good confident session and really good for you and Han, as always, is the super star of friends.
Less fiddling with your hands, well done, and Lucinda’s and Piggys instruction has clearly made a big difference. Han said all the right things at the right time! Clever girls, all 3.
It's good to see you get back your confidence as I've had a massive confidence knock and I'm scared to even canter my loan horse so this video gave me that little bit of hope that I'll be able to jump him without being terrified ❤
Hans the best mate, telling you your fine, encouraging you, giving you brilliant advice, we all need a mate like her ❤ and well done meg for trusting jam bam ❤
So interesting and nice to hear that the stopping is a better result than a dangerous jump! love how you patted her for making a good decision! looks like you'll have your flying changes soon..
Well done Meg!! Han must really listens to all your lessons and she really helps you too. But you did amazing, good luck at your event! Lots of trust and you’ll smash it 😁 xx
As much as hearing your trainers say it, I think it’s different when a friend provides that encouragement. Han may not have as much knowledge as you about jumping and competitions but she knows you and she knows what to say to get you into it. Well done Han and Meg!!
I'm sorry but was that a click I heard over the first upright after the cross poles?!! I am so proud of yoy meg!! I too lost my confidence just in a different type of way but I am so proud of you and how far you have come ❤ and might I add Han is doing such a good job being coach!!! And the 2de time you came through the distance well done for clicking and pushing!!!!! ❤❤
The thing that I loved most in the video is that you never blamed Jam for refusing that made me happy because a lot of people blame the horse when in fact it is always the rides fault👍.
So similar to you Meg but I got taught to count to 4 not 8 because it’s then it’s every stride so in a 1 stride you don’t get confused. You are doing awesome and love you all to bits. I also had a nasty fall where I broke my collarbone but no where near as horrific as your fall but bc of you and your positive attitude towards your riding I have started doing 80cm XC jumps, although after falling of at SJs so much I’m still only doing 60cm with them. I think it is bc of the wings being narrow and then the poles also being narrow it just gets in my head but with loving and supportive friends like Han is to you I am slowly but surely starting to get over my fear of SJs hope you are all well and all the best at Badminton your going to smash it xxxxxxx
Well done Han, you were awesome! Megan, remember to set up the canter and let it flow, even on the turns. Balancing on the corners is fine, but don't kill the canter too much as you are coming off the turn. You went a little bit from hoicking in front of the fence (in previous videos), to over doing the half halts on the corners this time; I guess as a bit of a safety mechanism. Just remember, set the canter up, maintain the balance, rhythm and impulsion and just let it flow. Good luck at the event! 😀
Well done Megan and jam just go with the flow and trust your pony done really great there and done one circle I love Hans she great friend to have around you live /life/love you ❤
Han may not be a trained instructor, but she knows YOU so well Meg. This was great and Han did an awesome job "coaching" you.
Agreed! I feel like sometimes those we ride with the most make the best instructors! I feel like I’ve been this person for my best friend!
This 100% 🙌
Totally agree! Xx
Loved this. Like you say really good jams thinking with the stop! You and Han are so cute together x
Absolutely agree! Han is a little diamond. Love seeing these two bouncing off each others energy.
TRUST is the key! 🔑💛
Hiii fei!❤
yep 🫶🏻 trust is what makes a horse and rider a door and a key to open a barrel of trust
for sure!
And spending time with the horse of course!
@@bigbird091 YES
Listening to Han helping you out on that 3rd round really brought a tear to my eye - she's such a super supportive friend 🥹 she's repeating all the crucial bits of your training with Piggy and Lucinda at you at exactly the time you needed it xx
I absolutely love Han! Everyone needs a supportive bestie like her!! So happy your confidence is coming back, you’ll get there!! ❤️
Hey meg. I would recommend you to have two reins in the Pelham bit so you don’t have a constant pressure on the strong end - you can’t really have a soft contact without.
And your horse will only get stronger on a stronger bit in the end.
Be careful pulling. You both can do it
Trust your horse, and trust yourself.
Only a little advice. ❤
YES I FUCKING LOVE YOU, horses don't need stronger bits or whips.
She has roundings which, I've been told, has the same effect as two pairs of reins ☺️
@@nicoleemmondsit does not have the same effect. The top one is the “snaffle” part of the Pelham, and the bottom is for leverage. When you use a converter, you are constantly activating the leverage, even when you don’t really need it or want it. The Pelham is best used with 2 sets of reins, not a converter. I love Meg and feel for her, as I’ve struggled off and on with trusting my horse as well, but I truly don’t think she needs the Pelham on Jam!
Agreed. I was looking for this comment. I don't agree with Pelham bits tbh, especially with roundings. They can be used well with two reins if you're very specific with the pressure, but I don't think it's a good solution to "needing more control" because it just... pulls at them, constantly. One of my horses was an ex hunter that was ridden in a really thick mullen pelham with roundings, and he is so bit averse now that we switched him completely to bitless when we got him. Poor thing must have had his mouth yanked on so much with this thing. Not saying that's what Meg is doing, of course, as clarification to anyone dumb enough to try and call me out for no reason... It's just... A very quick "solution" to a problem that requires work... and it'll only get worse the more you bit up to avoid it, because you're going to have to keep bitting up...
@@Charbified yep, agreed! Meg does lots of dressage and flatwork with her horses, so I know it’s not a lack of training there. I think it’s just a crutch because of her nerves, which I totally get. I have a young OTTB mare who is lovely, but some days I just find myself lacking confidence. It happens! Hopefully, she will choose a softer bit for show jumping again.
MEG! That was bloody amazing! And what a gem Han is! The support and confidence she was giving you was immense and you could tell she was saying all the right things at the right times. You can Jam looked mega! You should be so proud of yourself for going out and doing it on your own without an instructor!❤❤
As someone who studies for the mental aspect of sports, I want to give you some friendly advice. Do with it what you want :)
I've noticed the girl on the ground and you yourself talking to you in: "don't panic" "don't fiddle" "don't stop her". What is your mind gonna be focused on? Right, panicking and fiddling.. So what signals will your brain most likely give? ..
Mayby try talking to yourself in: "Relax" "you can trust" "let her go". When you're focusing on that, your brain will know which signals to give to create what you want.
Focusing on what NOT to do, will put your brain in a state of doing absolutely nothing or sending the signals you dont want it to send. When you're focusing on what you want to create, your brain will know what to do!
The instructor of your last video did that very nicely, focusing on what you want to do!
But also worth mentioning, you're doing incredible! It's a tough journey you're in and you're so strong going through it! 💕
You are SO right! Take out all the negatives (as my mom always taught me when training any animal, “don’t say ‘don’t’ “. Animals don’t understand the “don’t” part, they just pick up on the image/idea of what you’re projecting. So if you say “don’t jump on me” to a dog, they hear (and pick up the mental image of) “jump on me”. Instead, use a positive command such as “stay on the floor”. Our brains work in the same manner. Like you said, saying to yourself “don’t pull on her” puts the idea and image of “pull on her” into your brain. It’s SO important to change our thinking and wording to a positive, like “allow her to keep cantering”. It really does help change your mentality when you use positive wording (which creates positive images in your brain). You are right on the money with this advice!
Cameron gave Emily the best simple advice that stuck with me “get a good canter; then the last 3 strides are all hers” (no last minute checking). Love you & Jammy 🤩🤩
I actually love Hans support she knows exactly what Meg needs and the way she supports Meg is so lovely it shows how much confidence she has in Meg and know what she's capable of ♥
i love meg since you are so realistic, you don’t only show the goods you show everything! it makes me feel better as we ride the exact same so seeing someone else that also struggles with confidence but you are doing great meg well done ❤
You did so well.Meg!! Han was right, keeping you on the straight and narrow as she did. Well done Han!! Now you KNOW, Meg, that Jam knows when to ADD a stride or not, and related distances are not an issue for her. She has a HORSE STRIDE!! So utilize it, compress when you need to, but always, always remember, RIDE FORWARD and don't Fidget so much!! Trust Jam, she knows her job, and she knows it well. As she showed you when she came to that stop in that related distance. I believe you can do anything, and do it very well. You just proved to yourself you can do it without having a meltdown. You recognized your error and corrected it immediately. That's true horsemanship Meg. So chuffed to watch you grow from this fall that you took at Bicton. You have learned so much about yourself. It is a joy to watch you grow into a wonderful horsewoman in her own right. Just as Piggy March and Lucinda had to. Best Regards from your friend the Retired Paramedic, a S&R Dog and Handler Team Trainer,Horse Trainer and FEI Level 2 Coach and Judge, from Ontario, Canada, Jenn.💖💖🇨🇦🇬🇧
Everyone needs a friend like Han ❤❤
Excellent! Personally, I noticed the less you interfere with Jam, the more she lands on the correct lead. She used to always be on the incorrect lead after every jump, and you were trotting way more often between jumps. During this video, she even tried numerous times to do lead changes. She got it in front but the back was off. Glad to see you making some great advancements.
What a great observation. You’re right.
Everyone needs a best friend like Han! Such amazing team work she’s there to support you but also pushes you in the best way!
Han might be the loveliest human. What an amazing friend
I think we learned a lot! Han is great at offering coaching without taking away your chance to stretch beyond having an instructor, Jammy has brushed up on her sliding stop so she can say "Not today sister 🚫" when a fence isn't right and safe, and best of all I think is Meg having those moments of panic but then recovering so well into a positive, thoughtful mindset. That's the goal right, we all have panicky moments and we shouldn't really aspire to *never* feel those feelings: to recover well is the point. Fingers crossed the weather is kinder this weekend, but either way looking forward to seeing the great team of Meg and Jammy out there! 🎉
Trust yourself and the ability of Jam try not to over think things ❤
Meg, I think you need to realize that the jumps were you got ‘close’ isn’t a miss it’s just not the exact perfect spot. Jam is fine jumping there and has plenty of scope. As my trainer said - you don’t have to look pretty you just need to get round safe and clear!
Trust yourself and your bold and clever little horse and have Han’s encouragement ringing in your ears.
So much great progress, Meg. You have clearly worked hard on taming the fear beast. Han is brilliant; you are such good friends for each other :) You are pulling much less and I'm sure this trend will continue. Jam knows her job and knows how to make strides. You might even look at your Bicton fall, as a cloud with silver-lining: you've always pulled a bit with Jam, been little afraid of her boldness. I think it has been an ongoing problem for you. Your fall has forced you to face those fears head-on. You are a beautiful, sensitive rider. I love hearing you doing your Lucinda-counting under your breath. Looking forward to seeing you soar more this season :)
You and the pony are a team but frankly, at the moment, when you get in the ring or on course you are simply only in conversation with yourself Meg. That pony can sail round that course all you have to do is remember the route and go with her ! You are so utterly capable in the saddle on what is a fantastically capable horse but you must learn that you can ride a fence on what ever stride you hit it. Perfection doesn’t exist and you’ll mess it up trying to find it. Trust as you say and then enjoy your round. Watch a few others those that are riding team chase or following drag hunts. Where you just have to go with the flow from any conceivable angle or stride. And one day soon it’ll simply click and you’ll own your ability and you’ll trust it and your horse. This is your ah ha moment coming up.
Ahhh well done! I love when you were figure out the answer wasn't "don't check her" but rather "don't check her without a reason"! I went through a very similar stage of riding but sadly, the coaching I received at the time made me feel like adjusting, shortening or checking my horse was the wrong answer no matter what. I was encouraged to ride distances that I knew were bad so early and just not improve it or touch my horse. It made everything so much worse and shook my confidence/set me back so far. Thankfully, I'm out the other end of it but I'm glad on your journey you have such great help and you are coming out of it so quickly! It is so wonderful for us all to watch.
I'm so impressed with how your confidence is growing. Keep it up. Well done.
What you are doing with your confidence is so so admirable Meg. It must take such guts to just keep going. I'm so impressed. Jam looks amazing and as always you ride her beautifully. I had tears in my eyes listening to Han - what a treasure of a friend. Everything she said was spot on and she obviously cares enormously for you, it was so touching to watch and listen to.
Heaps of praise to Han. She spoke to you so calmly and supportively. We all need a Han in our lives! ❤
Part of the trouble when she refused began way before you realized and I didn't hear anyone speak about it yet...if you feel her stall out and you think you need to click to her for encouragement...you are probably using too much rein pressure unawares. So mentally rehearse feeling the stall in energy, sit a tad heavier with your upper body a tad farther back. Add LEG and put the hands a bit more forward WITHOUT clicking to her. She CAN jump higher than you realize WITHOUT charging toward the jumps. The key is to trust the rhythm. Do this with shorter jumps so you are less tense about making a change like this. When you click to her, you are running OVER your bit pressure. This could be a holdover from when you were small and depended on strong rein pressure to pull you over the jump and made you feel more secure. Then she starts getting stronger and stronger and you get worried and tense and pull more. This is VERY common in the United States. I see this in almost every single jumper at some point. So the answer is to just circle big, get the rhythm again, depend on that rhythm, concentrate on the swing of your seat and allow her to move forward. She is powerful and you know it and it is a tad scary, so dropping the jumps a tad while recalibrating her to a lighter bit pressure, sitting back to allow her to move forward, hands more forward when she stalls, and hum/sing in rhythm to get your mind less busy. Your body can do this and does excellently when your mind lets you relax and allows that talent to come forward. Put down some random Canter poles to discourage charging as well. Bigger bits are just a temporary fix. You will get this! ❤ 🎉
I love how raw you’re being! You guys are looking great!
We all need a friend like Han. Well done for continuing and talking yourself through it after the refusal.
I just want to say you are not alone . I also struggle with trusting the horses I ride after a big accident I had . I love your videos so much ❤
nice job when ever i got panicky on a horse i was told to sing jelly on a plate in time to your pace and it really does help as you start laughing
Really happy to see you jumping Jam again. She is so capable, and so are you. Go for it.
I love how you show the not perfect parts of you loseing your confidence a bit because It really makes me feel less alone love you Meg
The Dream Team on the go!! 💗💗💗💗👣👣👣🐴
Flying smoothly and softly over the fences, you always ride so gently and beautifully Megan💕.
An inspiration. That is what you are. Be proud!!
Lots of love to you, Jam, sweetheart Han and the kindest soul Pete. Pete ROCKS!! 😘
That's the nicest I've seen you jump in so long xx
Keep that "we are jumping this no matter what " you can absolutely do this
BELIEVE IN JAMMY x
It’s so lovely to see you shining again Meg! You are doing absolutely incredible and have come a long way, you should be so proud of yourself! Absolutely loving seeing you gain more confidence on every video so far, keep shining beautiful ❤
well done meg even if badminton doesn't go the way you plan just remember that you had a bad fall and you have still gone and tried at one off the biggest comps in the world and have gave it your all x
You’re looking so much better Meg! She’s lengthening her stride before the jumps so much more now! Keep up the good work!
Good job Meg - I noticed when you let her go moved your hands a little forward before the jump instead of really holding her you had a better distance and better jump - those were the times when you were trusting her - relaxing your hands works really well
Jam's looking goooood, Meg! Oh wow! What a lovely little horse she's become
You ride her so incredibly well it’s honestly mesmerising to watch! Hope you had a positive session despite that little blip. X
It takes a great horseperson to understand and know when we make mistakes AND apologize to the horse for making those mistakes; especially whilst riding them.
I've only been following for about a year, but I can see your confidence in yourself and in Jammie grow and build. Trust her, for sure. Conne's are the truest ponies for confidence builders. (I had a Connemara gelding named Rascal Mike when I was 9-13. He was my heart horse and taught me so very much. We evented, too. ❤)
Keep on!
Just want to say Meg u r helping me so much sharing this I am having trouble with my ponies at the moment but seeing u push through the hard time with your horses is making me do it to
Thank u
EXCELLENT JOB HAN! You are a natural coach.
That was a lovely jumping session with Jam after she was ready to work she did a great job and. Hannah was a great coach for you, she really knows how to help you.
I cannot wait to see how well everything goes as you bring the three horses into fitness and start showing.
Jane. ❤️🧑🏻🦰❤️🐴
Hey meg - you look fab! confidence is slowly coming back...
one thing I would say is,
you are in one of the strongest bits really, be careful with pulling.
you could get away with it a bit more before but it will hurt when you do pull and then that's what ends in a stop as showed.
I also noticed you send to pull to get a lead change, again, realistically shouldn't be your aid, especially in a Pelham, pulling should be the last option.
just a bit of advice :)
11:53 was a brilliant transition! you breathed, and let it happen and jam stayed in a contact. when your training circles to get leads can happen so if your in a course with a jump coming up and you don't feel like you can do a flying change just circle, as pulling is not the answer to make her go gobby to do a downwards transition
Meg your an absolute inspiration, I love your content and you have boosted so much of my confidence ❤
Han is this video is absolutely priceless! Such a support for you. The way you two cooperate is so amazing to watch
Han is a true friend; supporting all the way 😊
I cannot wait to watch this video. Meg, you are such an inspiration, and seeing all the moments, good and bad, is what makes you an amazing equestrian!
Han did an amazing job as coach. You have a good eye!
You’re getting so much more confident. I’m so proud of you. It still seems you’re pulling a lot of the time. Try to keep your soft contact but utilize half halts instead of the constant pulling pressure. Before every jump, you are pulling so hard, you’re killing her power at the same time and you can literally see her jumping so hard to get over it with the reduced power. Try to use half halts to steady her pace but preserve her power and momentum to actually get over the jump. Practice giving your hands to her alittle more, sit back, sit up, shoulders back and feel the motion of the jump with her. You seem to stiffen up before you jump. Relax and trust her. You guys are an amazing team and she’s going to take care of you. Can’t wait to keep watching you learn and grow. So so proud of Meg!!
This video helped me so much! I struggle with the same things, since I had a bad fall and sliced my arm open. You going through the same thing and showing me that you can have great moments and that you can persevere, it helps me try to do the same. I love you so much and never stop. ❤
i loved this video was so great to watch! and han was so supportive we all need someone like her ! and your confidence will get better the more you do it, well done meg
Absolutely love Hans support and commentary
Love Han, she is so funny, and supportive of you. You did really well, and you are right you need to trust your ponies, they are intelligent, they can work things out, and will always try to get you over the jumps safely.
That was absolutely fantastic !! Big well done, you done amazing, and what an amazing friend Han is ❤️ everyone needs a bestie like Han
Great video Meg. You can do it! Forward. Great job Han! Great video.
I know I keep saying this but I feel like I’m watching my own demons when I watch you Meg 😂 all I do is check check check and look for that perfect ‘stride’ I need to trust mine too. You are riding SO well! Just love watching you jumping Jam ❤️ good luck at the weekend. Youve got this xxx
Well done! You did really well today. Jam is very talented so trust her and enjoy the ride 😊
All you need sometimes is a friend on the ground reminding you to breath and relax 😅 (speaking from personal experience)
Well done 👍🏼
Meg Im saying this with peace and love (Im always in the comments saying how much i love you BECAUSE I DOOOO) but iv noticed that the lack of lead changes in the ponies seems to cause some balancing mishaps. Iv noticed as a North American that here we expect almost all levels of horses to have a change, however I noticed in the UK (only knowledge is from youtube lol) That changes are not as prominent. Anyways, all to say I feel like getting them to have auto changes would be a huge boost to help the whole picture feel a bit more stable.
also get ready for the sensitive bit crew that think a neck rope or a piece of leather in the mount is all you need 😆
Well done Megs you are amazing to continue working through your Demons. And Han....you are Fab. You did a brilliant job of encouraging and being ground support. And not letting Meg chicken out. Well done girls 🎉
Jam's ears are showing that she is listening to you constantly 👍👍 if she didn't trust you to be making the right decisions she wouldn't do that 👌👌👌👌
I’m so glad you are taking these steps to h lo yourself Meg you are an inspiration to all riders ❤😊
How encouraging is Han ❤ we all need a Han in the horsey world 😊 well done Meg amazing as always ❤
Well done Meg!! You rode awesome, just keep on practicing for the event and you'll do fine! Hopefully onwards and upwards from here ❤❤
Well done Meg !!!! This was really good you can see you pushing yourself and improving.
And Han was brill !!!
Hi meg! Han is amazing, the confidence she was giving both you and jam are incredible, we all need a han :) mums motto is " theres no such word as can't!" Although you some days you feel like you can't keep remembering that motto I works! You are an inspiration all of you and it's amazing watching you make come back, live, laugh and love you Meggie 💕
So impressed with how your confidence is improving, well done Meg xx
Been to Lincomb twice now and going there again next week for a fun ride. Absolutely love this place and if your local I would definitely recommend going! The jumps are lovely and (at least for me) they are really welcoming and gave me a bunch of confidence. Brilliant riding today Meg btw!! It’s so good to see you regaining your confidence ❤❤
I really wish I had such knowledgeable, supportive friends as you. Love listening to your conversations.
Good job Meg your confidence his getting better proud of you xx
Re-watching you struggles with confidence is helping me so much Right now. I'm moving into Eventing finally after 2 years of hunters (wasn't for me) and a year off just dinking around in my pony. I'm struggling with confidence in my horse even though I know he can do it.
I recall that in the first boot camp you did with Lucinda she told you Jam was "a pony that rides like a horse". I could hear her voice saying " Sit up!" as well. She also said not to worry if your horse is on the wrong lead because they can't jump unless they right themselves, which they do. All in all that was a good confident session and really good for you and Han, as always, is the super star of friends.
Less fiddling with your hands, well done, and Lucinda’s and Piggys instruction has clearly made a big difference. Han said all the right things at the right time! Clever girls, all 3.
The pulling is a confidence issue that she is working through m.
Well done Meg and Jam. Han did an amazing job, keeping you right. Definitely a mini Lucinda xx
It's good to see you get back your confidence as I've had a massive confidence knock and I'm scared to even canter my loan horse so this video gave me that little bit of hope that I'll be able to jump him without being terrified ❤
Soft hands. Your seat looked amazing 🤩 and that canter at the end when you let go for some strides and then collected up!!! Yes!
Well done Meg. 👏 Han was fab supporting you and she makes me smile 😊 with her humour 💜 great team work
Loving Han being the best support 💜 jan is looking fab ❤
Hans the best mate, telling you your fine, encouraging you, giving you brilliant advice, we all need a mate like her ❤ and well done meg for trusting jam bam ❤
So interesting and nice to hear that the stopping is a better result than a dangerous jump! love how you patted her for making a good decision! looks like you'll have your flying changes soon..
Well done Meg!! Han must really listens to all your lessons and she really helps you too. But you did amazing, good luck at your event! Lots of trust and you’ll smash it 😁 xx
As much as hearing your trainers say it, I think it’s different when a friend provides that encouragement. Han may not have as much knowledge as you about jumping and competitions but she knows you and she knows what to say to get you into it. Well done Han and Meg!!
You did great Jam will take care of you she knows her stuff just trust her and yourself 🌸
Well done Meg, you’re very lucky to have a friend like Han - what a legend!
I'm sorry but was that a click I heard over the first upright after the cross poles?!! I am so proud of yoy meg!! I too lost my confidence just in a different type of way but I am so proud of you and how far you have come ❤ and might I add Han is doing such a good job being coach!!! And the 2de time you came through the distance well done for clicking and pushing!!!!! ❤❤
This is so relatable! Everything really looks to be heading in a positive direction. Don’t forget to have fun up there❤
You are doing well! Jam is jumping great! She’ll look after you, trust her. ❤
The thing that I loved most in the video is that you never blamed Jam for refusing that made me happy because a lot of people blame the horse when in fact it is always the rides fault👍.
Jam looks incredible already and everyone needs a friend like Han
So much love to Han. What an amazing friend and actually quite a good coach! 💜
You and Jam looked great! You've got this!
Can we just take a min to appreciate how fab Han is during this❤❤❤
So similar to you Meg but I got taught to count to 4 not 8 because it’s then it’s every stride so in a 1 stride you don’t get confused. You are doing awesome and love you all to bits. I also had a nasty fall where I broke my collarbone but no where near as horrific as your fall but bc of you and your positive attitude towards your riding I have started doing 80cm XC jumps, although after falling of at SJs so much I’m still only doing 60cm with them. I think it is bc of the wings being narrow and then the poles also being narrow it just gets in my head but with loving and supportive friends like Han is to you I am slowly but surely starting to get over my fear of SJs hope you are all well and all the best at Badminton your going to smash it xxxxxxx
Awwww bless Han, love you both and absolutely ADORE Jam!! ❤️❤️❤️
Well fone Jam and well done Han !
Very proud of you meg, considering how you feel you have done awesome!! Xx
Meg you’re such an inspiration for me💗I lost a lot of confidence recently and it’s slowly coming back and watching your vids helps me sm x
Well done Han, you were awesome!
Megan, remember to set up the canter and let it flow, even on the turns. Balancing on the corners is fine, but don't kill the canter too much as you are coming off the turn. You went a little bit from hoicking in front of the fence (in previous videos), to over doing the half halts on the corners this time; I guess as a bit of a safety mechanism. Just remember, set the canter up, maintain the balance, rhythm and impulsion and just let it flow. Good luck at the event! 😀
Well done Megan and jam just go with the flow and trust your pony done really great there and done one circle I love Hans she great friend to have around you live /life/love you ❤
This horse is so peaceful and beautiful ^.^