[Dare2dream ersgirl]

how do i get started jumping? My horse is almost 3 and i was interested in maybe getting him started. Do i work with poles first? or what? I've seen him playing with our other horses and he launches himself in the air and stuff and gets some pretty good air. He's a very smart boy, and loves doing things, so i think once he gets it he'll love it. But im just not sure where to start
any suggestions?

 

[gypsygirl]

do you know how to jump ?

i would start out just going over one pole, and then when that is going perfectly start a set of trot poles.

you could also free jump him over a small jump.

 

[White Foot]

how do i get started jumping? My horse is almost 3 and i was interested in maybe getting him started. Do i work with poles first? or what? I've seen him playing with our other horses and he launches himself in the air and stuff and gets some pretty good air. He's a very smart boy, and loves doing things, so i think once he gets it he'll love it. But im just not sure where to start
any suggestions?

0_0 Why don't you just start with regular ground training. You will damage your horse if you start that young. Not to mention at three, your horse should be just getting trained, so riding (and health) wise your horse would never be ready.

 

[xoSonnyLove1234]

jumping at 3 is way to young. Start at 5 or 6.

 

[Dare2dream ersgirl]

oh! okay! i wasn't sure if i should start or not, i am doing ALLOT of ground training because that is how i work, i was just curious if i should be starting him on anything

 

[barnprincess]

3 y.o should not be doing ANTYHING but learning how to go the correct way. clean w/t/c , leads, lead changes, bending.. i wouldent even put a horse under 5 near even a x-rail.

 

[speedy da fish]

yeah i would get him started over some poles first so he can learn to get his striding right, then when it comes to poles off the ground he will know when and where to take off a bit better. of course as the jumps get higher then the taking off point will alter, but horses are clever and he will learn fast. so do some trot poles, one stride per pole, then space then out again for his canter strides. shorten them up a little so then he can learn to get a good boucey, jumping canter. you say hes nearly 3, is he broken? if not then lunge him over some poles and small jumps.

 

[maura]

At three, he should be learning basic flatwork. I think it's fine to start a horse over poles and crossrails at 4, but I wouldn't jump much over 2'6" until 5.

Since he's three, if you truly want to do this, you have time to takes lessons on a trained horse yourself while he's growing up and learning his job.

Trying to teach a young horse a skill that you have no previous experience with is not a recipe for success.

 

[kated]

I would not start a 3 year old Jumping! He is Way............ too young to jump. You could trot him over poles but dont jump him! I would contact a trainer to help you!

 

[JadedEyes]

I am agreeing with people above, don't jump him at three. Ground work is most important.

My horse is 4 and we just started jumping and working with ground poles. He doesn't jump very high nothing above 2ft. We also don't jump very often maybe 1-2 times a week. Keep it simple!

 

[equineeventer3390]

There is nothing wrong with starting him over single poles and pole sets. That is not going to hurt him at 3. 4 is a good age to start over cross rails and jumps under 2 feet. But there's nothing wrong with poles. Around 3 and a half maybe start free jumping him over small jumps. I wouldn't do it everyday, maybe just once a week and not big, but that won't hurt him. As much as my 3 year old gallops, bucks, and rears in the pasture playing, some small jumps are not going to hurt them.

 

[HunterJumperRelay]

I have a 7 year old ex racer. I started him over trot poles, but I lunged him before each session. But anyway, yes, I would start him over trot poles. Wait for a bit until you start jumping big because his muscles still need to get stronger. Don't hold your reins too tight and take him on some trails. That always helps!