I'm cantering X rails. How long will it be before I start higher jumps?

Question

I rode for 6 years about 5 years ago. I stopped taking lessons when I was cantering X rails but I have started taking lessons again and picked up where I left off. I've taken a few lessons so far.

Answer 1

i ride and do the same thing as you are right now actually it really depends on how confident and how good you are at the cross rails and how your trainer feels. If you think jumping cross rails is to easy then ask some one if they can teach you to jump alittle higher and move on from there the key is confidence and how your horse acts and your ablitly best of luck riding!! have fun and remeber just jump it lol! xoxo.

Answer 2

Both previous answers are good, but I would add a dimension.

I'm sure you feel as though your instructor isn't letting you move fast enough, and that crossrails are a waste of time - everyone feels like that when they start small jumps, from adult beginners to small kids.

The crossrail is designed to help teach you to use the most important tool you have for communicating with your horse - your seat. When you can manage a line of crossrails without stirrups or reins and without your horse running out, then I would let you move on to larger fences.

The first time you canter a horse into a fence that is too big for you, and he rounds into a bascule that throws you, you'll know you've pushed yourself too far - and it might be WAY too late at that point.

Horses are wonderful, empathetic, amazing creatures and there is no greater feeling in the world than moving as one with your mount and communicating with him by silent, understood measures - but you should always remember that you could be severly injured or even killed by simple lack of preparation. Never push too far too fast, and try, try, try to develop an independent seat.

I had an instructor when I was young who took away my stirrups and reins and made me ride with my eyes closed. Sounds like torture, but I am more grateful for it than I could possibly describe. Because of these lessons, I am able to anticipate a horse's movements and move with them, and I learned to use my seat, not my reins and stirrup leathers (which can break at any moment) to control my horse and maintain my place in the saddle.

Have patience, recognize the seriousness of what you're learning, and understand the importance of doing it correctly. Your instructor doesn't say "heels down" b/c he or she wants you to look that way - they say it because "heels down" leads to stretching through the leg, which leads to a deeper seat, which enhances your security. When it all comes together, you'll know it and it will feel right.

Answer 3

I agree with the other answerer: it is all down to how well you are doing at the moment.  If you try to move on too quickly you may frighten yourself.

It is best to get your jumping technique absolutely perfect over small fances before even thinking about larger ones.

You can still jump different types of fence in the meantime, to keep you amused.  Try some uprights, small spreads, etc.

Answer 4

It depends on how long you've been riding, and how experienced your horse is.

If you feel comfortable with cross rails, and your horse has jumped higher before, and you jump crosses with balance and control it won't be long. about two to three weeks or at least 4 lessons i would say you could move up to two foot jumps, depending again on the horses ability and your confidence. I don't know the details of your situation. I wouldn't rush it our you'll be overfaces, also the height of the jump isn't really whats important, with a proper position and skill you can jump anything.