Correct age to jump!

[vieshot]

What is the best age to jump a horse. I dont mean the odd x-pole or log out hacking. I mean seriously jump- say 1metre jumps? What age is it safe for the horses physical well-being to do so?

Lets say you have a 14.2hh nf x welsh. Fit and well-schooled. What age should he be when your beginning to jump big jumps?

Is it okay if hes 3 or 4 or is this to young?

Is 5 or 6 a safer bet?

Does it matter?

What is wrong with doing it to young?

 

[catembi]

If you jump too young, you can damage their joints as they're not ready for hard work yet, i.e. 3 is (imho) too young. I think 4 is okay, but I wouldn't be doing too much & personally I'd be careful re surface i.e. no jumping on hard ground. I jumped mine in a discovery when he was 4 1/2 which is 1 m & don't think this is unusual.

 

[Kenzo]

If your talking about a horse starting its jumping career and you are lets say more concerned over the horses future health...I'd go with your safe bet, but thats just what I'd do, I'm not saying its wrong or right.

 

[Sarah_Phillips]

It depends on your own opinion really. We have a four and a half year old and just wanted to take it slowly with him becasue we didnt want to ruin him and he is only now jumping tiny courses of fences to build his confidence. Its entirely up to you, its best to built confidence first as they are so young it doesnt take much to knock it and then you would be left with problems. thats my opinion anyway.