How high to jump?

[eclipse123]

My daughter is currently jumping 3’ to 3’3 comfortably and now wants to move on to jump higher. We have set up a jump at home and she can (well the horse can) jump 4’4”……while this does not seem to be a problem in a single jump or a double, how does she go about training the horse to jump a full course at this height ?

Many thanks

[FreedomStar]

You say that your daughter can jump comfortably at 3'-3'3". But please remember, that as much as she and her horse love it, the majority of the riding and schooling time should be done in flatwork. I'm sure you two already know this though. I'm confused though. Are you going from 3'3" straight into 4'4"? Because that's not very a good idea, it's better to increase the height gradually. sorry I can't post more, but I hafta go to school.

[eclipse123]

Sure it's not a good idea to go so high so quick ...that really is the question, how to train from 3'3" to a 4' ?

[tasha]

If she's happy at 3ft3, then put them up to 3ft6. Once she's happy with those, put them up to 3ft9, and then 4ft when she is happy at that height. Just don't rush things. If she struggles, put them down again, wait til she is happy and then put them back up. And make sure her flatwork is 'kept up to date' with the jumping she is doing.

Personally I wouldnt want to progress from 3ft3-4ft in anything less than a year. There is a huge difference between the two.

[jUmPingIsLifE]

i agree with tasha, 3'3-4' is a HUGE step for both horse and rider. it should be taken slowly, and when you get to that hieght expecailly you shouldn't jump more then two or three (at the most) times a week. you want to have a lot of ground work and maybe even a trail ride (if possible) in between it all.

[HoRsE ChIcK]

I agree witb the rest of the posters that you have to be really careful because a mistake now could really mess up your horse or daughter.
To teach a horse to jump the course its the same as when you taught it to jump at 3.3. Just be sure both the horse and your daughter are ready for this height!
When setting up the course, make sure you have all different heights of jumps, so for the first cou-ple of courses, do say 4 or 5 3.3 jumps, and then only 1 or 2 4 foot jumps.
Good luck and please be careful!
~Holly~

[tarkia]

If your pony doesn't have a problem jumping that height then go for it. Make sure you don't make a massive change in the height of the jump, increase the height slowly. Once they're both happy with it and can jump it easily you can higher it a touch, remeber to include some flatwork inbetween these jumping sessions or you could find your pony could pick up some habits.

[eclipse123]

Many thanks to all for the advice..........we will build the height up over the next few months ....... while both rider and horse seam happy at larger heights, the need to jump 4' will not arise till next spring


Can I just say that this is only our third post to this site ..... and in each case, the advise and comments have been priceless to a couple of beginners as has the reading of other posts

Many many Thanks

[FreedomStar]

hehe, go for it!! Just build up gradually, and who knows, maybe the horse can go higher!! Keep us posted on the progress!