How to start a horse on jumping for show ?

HAYHAYSTABLES · 12-13-2007, 11:33 AM

I need some help on teaching my horse to jump and compete .
our shows are not huge or anything just small and just a few know it alls . i dont want to pay to train him to jump . i have been to manycamps that teach how to sit and set up for a jump but i dont know howto star one .
do you start from the ground and then on his back , with graond polls or how high ?
thanks

EquineAlberta · 12-13-2007, 11:43 AM

It can be hard to train a horse to jump if you aren't experienced at jumping, as you won't have the experience to stay with the awkward first attempts at jumping. If you catch him in the mouth or bang on his back, it will really discourage him from jumping.

I would definately start by doing poles while on him (releasing at the poles so you for sure let him have his head), and doing small jumps on the lunge or free jumping.

When you do start jumping him, use a neck strap or grab mane at every jump so you don't loose your balance and catch him in the mouth or fall on his back. As he gets more confident jumping he will be easier to stay with, but when they are learning they can make all sorts of errors and catch even great riders off guard!

If you are determined to train him to jump on your own, then I would get a book that steps you through the process as it isn't something one can explain in a few paragraphs.

In summary: the basics for having a good jump are:
1) Getting the horse straight to the jump
2) Having an even rythm and good pace to the jump
3) Riding in a position that keeps you in balance with the horse.

Karen

BarnBum · 12-13-2007, 12:48 PM

I would start with the basics, ground poles. Gradually raise them trotting over them and remembering not to get into your horses mouth or hurt their back, b/c like mentioned, your horse will relate it all to pain. It you can do more harm than good. I would invest in a few lessons just to get started so someone can help you with the basics, your form and teaching you and your horse the correct way from the start. A proper start is the good foundation for any new riding discipline if you want to excell.

DanielleS · 12-13-2007, 02:16 PM

I never think that someone who isn't an experienced jumper has any business teaching a horse to jump. Either you need to take some lessons or you need someone else to teach him. You will end up with a mess if you try to teach him yourself without knowing how to do it the right way yourself. JMO

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Where to start with new horse??? Advice	dodib	Training	8	11-26-2007 04:59 PM
Horse that won't stop Jumping!	Sirita_88	Equine Humor	14	08-24-2007 02:38 AM
Miniature horse jumping	Range	Training	9	06-26-2005 02:57 PM
When to start jumping?	Sylvia1	Training	7	03-24-2005 03:35 PM

12-13-2007, 11:33 AM
HAYHAYSTABLES Halter broke Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: cookeville tennessee Posts: 199	How to start a horse on jumping for show ? *I need some help on teaching my horse to jump and compete .* our shows are not huge or anything just small and just a few know it alls . i dont want to pay to train him to jump . i have been to manycamps that teach how to sit and set up for a jump but i dont know howto star one . *do you start from the ground and then on his back , with graond polls or how high ?* *thanks* __________________ www.hayleystables.com living a dream!

12-13-2007, 11:43 AM
EquineAlberta Seasoned Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 4,688	It can be hard to train a horse to jump if you aren't experienced at jumping, as you won't have the experience to stay with the awkward first attempts at jumping. If you catch him in the mouth or bang on his back, it will really discourage him from jumping. I would definately start by doing poles while on him (releasing at the poles so you for sure let him have his head), and doing small jumps on the lunge or free jumping. When you do start jumping him, use a neck strap or grab mane at every jump so you don't loose your balance and catch him in the mouth or fall on his back. As he gets more confident jumping he will be easier to stay with, but when they are learning they can make all sorts of errors and catch even great riders off guard! If you are determined to train him to jump on your own, then I would get a book that steps you through the process as it isn't something one can explain in a few paragraphs. In summary: the basics for having a good jump are: 1) Getting the horse straight to the jump 2) Having an even rythm and good pace to the jump 3) Riding in a position that keeps you in balance with the horse. Karen __________________ Hillside Stable, Ardrossan, AB CHT Horse Stories!

12-13-2007, 12:48 PM
BarnBum Greenbroke Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sunshine State Posts: 3,871	I would start with the basics, ground poles. Gradually raise them trotting over them and remembering not to get into your horses mouth or hurt their back, b/c like mentioned, your horse will relate it all to pain. It you can do more harm than good. I would invest in a few lessons just to get started so someone can help you with the basics, your form and teaching you and your horse the correct way from the start. A proper start is the good foundation for any new riding discipline if you want to excell.

12-13-2007, 02:16 PM
DanielleS Coming two Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Middletown, MD Posts: 1,609	I never think that someone who isn't an experienced jumper has any business teaching a horse to jump. Either you need to take some lessons or you need someone else to teach him. You will end up with a mess if you try to teach him yourself without knowing how to do it the right way yourself. JMO