Jumping young ones!

[bhrunner06]

Just broke our baby and are starting to play with some tiny jumps. I was wondering what everyones system is on teaching them the ropes when it comes to jumping! This baby is a great guy! Super quiet, honest, very willing and quick to learn, cute as a button, and FUN!

[indygirl2560]

I don't have time for a long post right now, but I always lunge the greenies over small jumps to let them figure things out without a rider. that way, they can get a feel for things without rider interference.

[MCarverS]

I agree that it is essential for them to figure it out without interference from a rider. However, rather than pose the risk of getting caught up in the lunge line or getting entagled with the standard, I would suggest free jumping young horses, rather than lunging them over fences.

As yearlings, 2 year olds and 3 year olds, we take our horses through a jumping chute and make sure that they are comfortable using themselves over the fences and aren't requiring too much "push" to go through the chute. Once they are confident, then I will go through the gymnastic while on their back.

In the meantime, I begin incorporating poles and pole grids through my flatwork and sometimes a little fence to canter over. I say "incorporate' because I don't want my youngsters to learn that jumping means rushing.

I've found that by doing this: allowing them to go through the chute on their own, incorporating pole grids and small fences, and eventually going through the chute on their back has given my youngsters confidence and prevents me from making a mistake and knocking their confidence unintentionally.

Good luck with your youngster and I can't wait to see pictures!