Horse Training Success

Today I thought I'd do a short post on when to start jumping a horse. There will be a few more on horse jumping over the coming days, so if you have any questions, fire away and I'll try and include the answers as we go.

Many people email in asking for help with horse problems they're having. Many of these people are backing their horses way too young, which - in my opinion - is the root cause of their problems. So I just want to address this up front, before even getting onto jumping. If your horse is less than two years old you should not be on his back for any reason. Seriously. That includes your (oh but she's small and light) child. Their bones have not finished growing and the extra weight - in the long term - does them damage. Horses should live and be sound into their twenties or more. Horses that are ridden too young go lame around 5 or 6 or 7. Obviously that means they have a very short life, because lame horses end up at the knackers.

Please heed this. Until your horse is at least 2 (and preferably 3), you have a cute pasture ornament that you can brush and lead. THAT'S IT.

And now onto starting to jump. Having got the above out of the way, the next bit is simple. Not before they are 4. Again, it's all about the bones and letting them be fully developed and mature before putting stress on them.

Surely I don't need to mention that little 1-2 foot jumps are plenty for the first year. Do I?

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Labels: horse problems, horse riding jumping, horse showjumping, horse training, horses jumping, horses jumps, jump horse, jumping a horse, ponies jumping, pony jumping, riding jumping, training horses