How to train a horse to jump

If you have dreams of riding to victory at the Rolex Kentucky or a Grand Prix event, it might be time to train your horse to jump. This is always an exciting experience because each horse responds differently to training, but it will be a learning experience for both of you.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Horse
• Snaffle Bit
• Jumping Saddle
• Cavaletti
• Jump Standards
• Jump Rails

1. 

   Acclimate your horse to the concept of jumping by introducing him to obstacles in a jumping arena. Let him touch the standards and rails with his nose and let him look at the bright colors until he seems to feel comfortable.

2. Trot several times over cavaletti before you train your horse to jump. You might want to do this for several days before you attempt a larger obstacle because it reinforces the idea that he should move over the rails on the ground. Cavaletti should be spaced between 3.5 and 4.5 feet apart.

3. Set up a cross-rail (or "X") in the center of your jumping arena. Use neutral standards that won't distract your horse as you train him to jump.

4. 
   Prepare for Over-Jumping

   Trot toward the cross-rail on a loose rein, keeping your calves firmly pressed against his sides. Use the reins as a guide to keep him from wavering away from the obstacle, but don't hold him too tightly in the mouth.

5. Look up as you approach the fence when you're training a horse to jump and keep your seat farther forward than you normally would. This will give your horse confidence in himself and in you.

6. Break down over the fence and prepare yourself for a mighty leap. Some horses over-jump at first because they aren't sure of your footing, so make sure to give him his head to keep from banging him in the mouth.

7. Continue jumping the same cross-rail several times until your horse jumps it smoothly. Quit as soon as he feels comfortable and confident.

8. Remember that training a horse to jump is not a quick process. Repeat Steps 1-7 every other day for about a week before moving on to larger obstacles, and move just as slowly when teaching your horse to jump verticals, oxers, solids and other obstacles at a later time.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you give your horse plenty of rein when training him to jump. Catching him in the mouth can ruin your training for a good long while.
• Ask a trainer or friend to stand in the arena with you during training sessions. He can act as jump crew and trainer so you can focus on the horse.
• Avoid wearing spurs or using a crop when you train a horse to jump. Those aids simply contribute to fear rather than confidence.
• Never jump your horse excessively when he is first learning. Instead, let him jump until he gets it right, then quit on a positive note.