An introduction to jumping

[cocomullen]

We have a lovely up and coming 4 year old who was broken summer last year. She's been great fun so far and is progressing well. Just wondering how and when could we introduce her to jumping?

Her flat work is coming on and considering she has jumping blood in her and proved to be quite adept as a foaly-jumping from paddock to paddock when in suited her- I suppose the grass is always greener.

Any ideas, suggestions welcome.
Thanks

 

[MagicMelon]

Id say now. If she's got all the flatwork basics and a half decent canter then Id get going with it. To introduce to jumping, I normally start lungeing (or you could do it loose if you have facilities) them over poles then little jumps. Once they're happy doing that Id introduce trotting poles into their flatwork sessions and then little cross poles. As long as you keep everything gentle and easy for her then no reason why she cant get going now as there are 4yo BSJA classes!

Ive just sat on my little 3yo "project" yesterday and as soon as I get the basics with him, he'll be starting his tiny-jumping. Nows a good time IMO as any jumping comps are still indoors on a proper surface. I only dont like jumping babies on dodgy grass (which can be rock solid in the summer) as they over-jump and must be hell on unmature legs!

 

[ajf]

I normally introduce poles when lunging/doin all the gorund work. They do poles straight away to (only one or two at a time though) and move straight into tiny jumping when I have some control!!!!
Just don't do too much at a time and keep it very basic,simple and small to start with.
Good Luck