Horsey fitness question

[LittleMac]

I've had my horse for about three months now. When I got him he had only been back in work for about two months. Since then I've been working up to doing flatwork with him 5 times a week for between half an hour and an hour (obviously intensity varying depending how long I'm riding for). Have done some pole work and have jumped him only a handful of times mainly because I had lost a lot of my confidence jumping. The other day my confidence was huge for some reason and he went beautifully over 3ft. I know that doesn't sound like much but it was such an achievement for me, and I really want to carry on with the goal of taking him to a little SJ comp in December. How do I know if he's fit enough to be out jumping courses, other than jumping them at home I suppose? He's an ex BS-er so knows his job but I would only be taking him in to the 2ft6 max most likely.

 

[woodlandswow]

as long as it is only 2'6 max then it should be fine, after jumping at home 3ft, this is more effort and i assume you do at least 3 jumps linked..
as long as you take it easy and use space etc, keep it calm, then i shouldnt hurt! hope this helps