How to Jump Your Horse

Jumping a horse demands excellent timing, balance and coordination from both the rider and the horse.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Get a tall horse. Horses that are typically tall, such as Thoroughbreds and Warmbloods, make excellent jumpers.

2. Start low. Begin your jumping training by walking over cavallettis (two to four rounded boards placed on the ground). This will help your horse gain balance when walking over an obstacle.

3. Trot your horse over the cavallettis. This will improve your horse's balance and coordination. The horse needs to think about picking up and setting his feet down at the right time and in the right place.

4. Lope over the cavallettis. This will help your horse get the proper timing he will need for jumping.

5. Raise the cavallettis. The second level of cavallettis should be approximately 6 inches off the ground.

6. Accomplish a walk, trot and lope over the cavallettis at this height.

7. Increase the height as your horse accomplishes the second level; add another 3 inches for the third level.

8. Walk, trot and lope over a 12-inch-high cavalletti.

9. Ready your horse for the jump. Lope your horse up to a low cavalletti, on a loose rein. Lean forward out of the saddle, grab mane and hold on.

Tips & Warnings

• Start at a low level and practice until your horse moves freely and correctly over the cavallettis before you move on.
• Always wear a helmet when jumping.
• Have someone around when you jump in case of emergency.

[genesisdressage]

on 10/29/2009 I'd just like to point out that just because you can't afford lessons doesn't mean you shouldn't own horses. The reason that I can't afford lessons is because I put all of my money into my horse's feed and equipment. I've had a lot of free advice from neighbors and have taught my mare respect using Clinton Anderson's methods. Just because I didn't hire a trainer doesn't mean I didn't put all of my energy into learning and growing in my relationship with my mare. Horses are a journey, not a formula. I've met a few too many kids who think horses are about money and winning pretty ribbons. Just something to consider.

Ps. I understand that often if you can't afford lessons you can't afford the vet, in which case I agree with you.

[spiritofthebush]

on 9/19/2009 DONT EVER USE THESE LESSONS AS A GUIDE TO JUMPING!

SAFTEY> NOT MENTIONED. WHAT HAPPENS>NOT MENTIONED.this person should not be talking about a subject she/he knows absolutley nothing about.

[equineink]

on 9/8/2009 Do NOT use these instructions to learn to jump! Best bet is to take lessons from a professional.

[xchorses314]

on 8/30/2009 Here's my little two cents:
Don't learn how to jump from these directions, this sounds like it was written by someone who's never jumped! It was probably even a western rider, judging by the way they called a canter "lope." Most of the comments here are very wrong too, they were written by novice riders. If you want to learn how to jump safely don't learn by typing "how to jump" into google. Hire a professional instructor, and take lessons. If you can't afford lessons, you probably shouldn't own a horse.

[amityequine]

on 3/3/2009 How ignorant to say to someone to get a tall horse because they tend to be better jumpers! That is such a typical stereotype. Yet many smaller horses and even ponies have proven that they can jump just as well, and often with more style! There's a reason more and more people are leaning towards horses 16hh and under now, even closer to 15hh to jump- because they also have more agility.