Jumping

[horsy]

How can i train my 15 year old anglo arab mare to jump without having to ride her over it?? A friend of mine tried to get her jumping when we first got jer but she wouldnt even go over a 1ft jump. Her old owner said that she has done showjumping before but i dont believe her. Since then i hav lunged her over a very small jump, taken her over it in hand, and rode her over it. I dont want 2 ride her over larger jumps because i am not confident on her, but when i lunge her over them she seems to jump either too early or too late. Is it just a case of practise?? I would also like to try higher jumps with her, but i think i hav 2 get her coordination right over small ones first dont i? Please could somebody help me??? thanx, liz :)

[Sarah]

hello!

Do you mean that your horse will not pick its feet up and will just use the jump as a trotting pole? If so, she may actually jump the pole if it is a bit higher. If you are not confident on her then i do not recommned that you try her over bigger jumps, do you have riding teacher who could come and give you a lesson and try jumping your horse herself?

I know that 15 is not old for a horse at all these days, but perhaps your horse isn't as fit as she was and doesn't want to go through the exertion of jumping. Again, I think a bit of professional help will help you see if that is the problem.

I hope i have understood you right and have been of some help.

bye!

[Jess]

I agree... my horse wouldn't jump 1' either and he does 4' like a piece of cake. He'd take it like a cavaletti. Raise it a bit and your horse might use himself more to get over it.

[horsy]

I jumped Beth over a higher jump today, about 2ft or something. I know its not much higher but i only had buckets & a piece of wood. But anyway, she did it no problem. Straight over without even trying. Thanx for telling me to do higher jumps with her. The next step is riding her but that should be easier now as we are getting a new saddle that should fit her properly, and she is better behaved without that old leather one on, coz it was hurting her back. Just 2 more questions. What can i do to stop her dragging her back feet,because she kept knocking the jump with them. It didnt cause a problem but i know in an arena it will bring the poles down. Is there anything i can do? And also, what is the normal height of the novice showjumps at a show? I need to know so we can get up to that size and get it perfect. Thanx, liz xxx :)

[olympicprincess]

Hello,
It sounds as though you could be sitting down too early (not allowing her to arch) which is causing her to catch the jump w/ her back legs. You need to stay out of her way so she can get you both over.
You may need to work on your jumping position on the flat until it's solid and then go back to jumping. If you continue to hit her back you will cause her pain and damage.
Or like mentioned before, your horse could be showing her wear and tear and may not be suitable for jumping.
Good Luck