Free Schooling

[mickey]

.....over jumps etc.
What do you think of this as a form of exercise?
I used to use this, esp as I don't ride very often. Now I am beginning to use it less and less because I think all that galloping about, stopping suddenly and turning is not good for my horse's joints, esp as he has spavin.
What are your views???

 

[lisan]

I do a little bit with Ruby as she has'nt jumped before and needs to learn how to jump and I wanted to see how big she will comfortably jump, but she does'nt go to silly galloping around.

As long as they don't go too mad.

 

[scotsmare]

If your horse already has a leg problem, then un-controlled exercise like this *could* do more harm than good. I tend not to use it as I'm a natural born worrier and worry about them getting tangled up in the wings if they're faffing around!

 

[rara007]

I do it to give them something to do, although tend to set up grids to stop them galloping madly. TBH all of ours are now as lay as they can be, but I am sure the gridwork does them good. I don't think I'd do it too much with a horse with leg problems though as I wouldn't want to aggravate anything.