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  Discussion on Basic Training of a jumper prospect.
Author Message
Member:
Maggienm

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 6, 2004 - 9:38 am:

Hi, Concerning a young horse, just how much work is too much? Twice a week on soft ground of walking and some jogging(not flat out trotting)on a 2 1/2yr old? Perhaps 45 min ea time? Perhaps an occasional longer trail ride of hr 1/2?
You always hear not too much but how much is too much? I know the concern is cartilage damage but does legging up help? Thanks
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Apr 8, 2004 - 12:22 pm:

There is much controversy and debate on this issue Laurie-Ann and you see recommendations that horses should not be ridden until they are 5 or 6 years of age. There is really very little scientific information to guide us but centuries of experience. At this time I don't see anything wrong with that amount of work in a well developed horse of that age.
DrO
Member:
Sylvy

Posted on Monday, Nov 21, 2005 - 3:07 pm:

4 year old registered quarterhorse 14.1h filly, green broke with some trailriding, quite well balanced. Started over ground poles, and small jumps What sort of schedule should we proceed with to turn her into a hunter jumper without jeopardizing soundness? Thanks in advance for any advice.
Member:
Sarahb47

Posted on Monday, Nov 21, 2005 - 3:44 pm:

Concentrate on small gymnastics with CORRECTLY SPACED elements to improve her balance, rhythm and judgment. (Spacing is described in many books, including Micklems Complete Horse Riding Manual as well as deNemethy's book mentioned below. Bounces, one-strides and two-strides, with crossrails, verticals and oxers, are all important. Then keep the jumps low but introduce her to as many varieties of jumps as possible -- walls, boxes, offset oxers (no square oxers until she's fairly advanced!). Turns, bending lines, adjustment of striding between fences -- all are important.

A good book is "100 Jumping Exercises", compiled from a number of top hunter and jumper riders' favorite exercises. The first 25 exercises are just poles on the ground, to help your horse understand striding, ryhthm, distances and balanced turns. Jumping is 90% flatwork, so the basics of stride adjustments, pace and bending must be firmly established to create a confident, responsive jumper.

Don't rush the height -- get her really confirmed at 12", 18", 24" before you go any further. And don't overjump her! Twenty fences per session, twice a week, is plenty for a youngster. The rest of the time, work on the ground pole exercises and flatwork. Think of it this way: Your horse has a certain number of "jumps" in her before something breaks down. You don't know that number, and you don't want to find out. Automotive engineers know how many times they can open and close a certain model's door before the door falls off; but each horse is unique, and we can't test the mechanisms until it breaks just to find out how long it will last.

Stick with little jumps, build her confidence, and keep her relaxed and eager. take the jumping outside the arena, too -- hopping down a bank or popping over a log on the trail is a good way to keep her fresh and keep her enjoying the training process.

Sarah
Member:
Sylvy

Posted on Tuesday, Dec 6, 2005 - 2:13 pm:

Thanks Sarah. Our little quarterhorse is doing great! She loves to jump and is proving to be very smart. Not bad for a throw away horse sent to an auction eh!!
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