Jumping Question...?

Question

So basically, I have a horse... I've free-jumped him up to 3ft so far (He cleared it with ease). I've been doing about 2'6 courses (With oxers) under saddle.

My question is, I want to free jump him again soon, I want to know, how high should I take him? Can I put it up to 4ft? He's 15.1 and has an amazing love/willingness to jump. He has nice form over fences and always jumps higher than he needs to. I'm hoping the jumper right is in his future. Is free jumping him 4ft too much?

How high have you free jumped your horse? Is there specific guidlines to free jumping?

Answer 1

As long as you're free jumping a single jump, put it up as long as he seems comfortabe. If it makes him nervous, back off. And don't do too much of it. Jumping a bunch of big jumps he's not used to could make him sore.  

Answer 2

No, no guidlines...we have a little 3year oldthat is 14.2hh that can jump 5 ft plus spreads with ease from trot!! He is simply amazing!!

However i would only notch it uo by a few inches each time though. 3ft to 4ft is a big difference...take it easy just put it up slowly!!

Good luck you dont need to rush it! :-)

Answer 3

I don't personally free jump, my horse is a dream to ride and lunge, but take off the lunge line and she gallops around like an idiot, spooking if a leaf looks at her funny. lol.

Don't just take him out there and put up a 4ft fence, move it up slowly, 3'3,3'6,3'9,4'. Other than that, give it a shot, and properly lunge him first to warm him up.

Good luck!

Answer 4

yes you can do it. gradually. i have a 13.2 hand POA that jumps 4 foot 6" oxers that are 3 feet wide. he is a western pleasure horse though. he just loves jumping. and i would gradually raise him up to 4 ft. like work from 3' to 3'3" then 3'6" then 3'9" and then if he is clearing those. 4 foot. but be careful and put some kind of supporting boot on him. i use open front but use whatever you have. and if you want them to really puch off and use their hindquarters make the jump like 3'6" but either a oxer or make them out of cavaletties. put one down then two stacked then one behind it. that's how we train the hunters for prairie fox farm. it also teaches them that how far they jump in front of the jump they need to land the same distance away from the jump. it will make them jump in a more hunter style.

PS when jumping my pony 4'6" my PFF trainer is the one lunging him.

Answer 5

Easy it up. Next time do 3'3 then 3'6 then 3'9 then on to 4'. 3ft to 4ft is a big step up and you don;t want to scare your horse.