How high to jump??? :?

You know I honestly have to say how a simple question from BluMagic is turned into this whole debate thing. I've read numerous articles online that horses are done maturing between the ages of 5-6. Yes I have seen videos of people jumping horses earlier than that, but i'm not asking my 4 year old to jump major courses, and as of right now the only thing she jumps over is a ground pole. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but can we please try to be more polite about it? A simple,"I can understand where you are coming from and I appreciate that information" would be very nice....I think anyways....

I didn't say I jumped her major courses now did I? All I said was I jumped her over a 1ft log every couple weeks. In fact I haven't jumped her in 2 months.

Look I know it may sound like I'm being closed minded but once again, look at whats going on:
You guys are trying to tell me that jumping young horses causes problems when there older. And I understand that.
I'm trying to tell you that I know my horse more than you do.
See this thing is 2 way. Analyze the situation before you point fingers k? :)

Horse lover, when did I ever write that you were jumping your horse over a major course? Never.

That was the full sentence I wrote. No where in there did I mention you or your horse

Try to be a little more relaxed when you read the posts. We aren't trying to attack you if that's what you are thinking.

We are all just giving our opinions on jumping a young horse.

I know, and I respect the facts, but you guys must respect that I know my horse.

No you don't, otherwise you wouldn't jump a 3yr old at all.

We're pointing out your lack of understanding. Muscle strength does NOT equal bone density... I'm sure you know your horse just fine, but you obviously don't understand horse physiology or bone maturation, otherwise you wouldn't question our advice.

No one is pointing fingers, we're only trying to edcate you... Did you read the articles I posted? They are both very informative and written by VETS who have done clinical and real world research on the issue.

Riiight...

Anyways,
I'd like to make an attempt to return this thread to it's original intent.

My 2 cents worth for BluMagic:

I don't jump so I'm not going to make a schedule for you. All I have to say is that consistency is the most important component of a healthy training schedule. If you're getting into jumping a certain horse for the first time, and you have long term plans in mind, it's always best to take things slow. Start from the beginning. There is a reason Hunt seat and Hunter pleasure exist. They are foundations for horses to be built upon. Be sure you've mastered the less complicated bits before you make an attempt to move into jumping. You know what they say about a house built on stone.

It's true what they are posting about jumping young horses, but you have to realize that always being afraid of what might happen to your horse will get you nowhere. Basing your training on caution will destroy your ambition.

Try not to see Jumping as a separate arena from the flat events. Its all part of the same road. Different horse/rider combos travel at different paces and some can only go so far. Just start from the beginning and keep moving forward steadily.

This post is for BluMagic I didn't ask anything!

Well, I know Blu is happy. I've done some lunging and all that and he gets so excited. Jess and I walked the dogs over to his pen and as soon as he saw Theo, his best puppy friend, he took off bucking and snorting and neighing. He was happy! Lol. Thanks so much you guys!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm glad to hear Blu is doing great. And that's so cute with his little puppy friend. I'm not sure what Vega will do around dogs, not sure I want to try until she's settled down a bit. Keep up the good work!

No. I jumped her maybe 4 times. I'm just working on reining right now. I might get back to jumping after a while.


Good to hear BluMagic!