Grand Prix?

Question

Okay well I know that you shouldnt jump a horse every day of the week cuz horses only have so many jumps in them. But if anyone knows, how many times a week is it safe to jump a horse at grand prix height(like for training)?

Answer 1

You do realize that Grand Prix level jumps have height and spreads of up to 6'6"? It takes many years to get a horse to this level and many (most actually) are simply not capable of it. Same goes for the riders.

If your interested in it I'd suggest visting a Grand Prix barn that has both horses and riders that are competing successfully at this level. They could answer any questions you have and will be able to put things in better perspective for you if you're serious about reaching that level of riding.

Answer 2

There is a grand prix dressage barn near me, and when I went to visit they had a temperary boarder who did grand prix show jumping. She was there for a month and I watched her several times, and got to talk to her.

She said she jumps her horses at 3'-4' once a week, does 2' grids and very difficult turns, etc. twice a week and does flatwork every other time she rides. She says starting about at least a week before a show she'll start jumping full size jumps.

I doubt everyone does it the same way, but this is what she told me she did. She also said she wasn't a very competitive jumper (didn't compete as much as the average grand prix) but got into it seriously (she previously did eventing and hunters on her old horses) until she inherited her grand prix horse.

Answer 3

With all due respect, if you have a horse that is training at Grand Prix level you should be able to answer this one yourself!!!

Answer 4

They hardly ever train over big jumps. They do grids and additional exercises over smaller jumps. They also work on flatwork most days. 1 - 2 days a week they will jump FULL height.

Answer 5

I've been told that they school smaller 4'ish jumps at home 2-3 times a week, maybe a full size thrown in somewhere.

I'm not sure about their initial training for grand prix jumps, But experienced horses that can handle those and are efficient and reliable with them only go over big jumps at shows.

It probably varies horse to horse though.