How do judge the capability of a horse to jump.

[BeBopTalulah]

This is probably ANOTHER ignorant question, but I would like to know how to assess a horse's jumping ability. Obviously a fine, springy TB will clear far more than a highland pony, but is it that black and white with other horses? For example, we had a shetland x when I was a child who would jump HUGE fences (don't ask me how high they were because I was 8, but they were huge by shetland standards, felt like a proper SJ!)

What is the general opinion of the jumping ability of a 15.2 welsh cob x ID, at her fittest? Her mother was a 'well-built' welsh cob (14.3), and we jumped 3ft 6 on her at her fittest.

Also, with welfare in mind, what are the health implications of jumping a horse regularly? Surely the trauma on joints may be an issue? Are joint supplements required?

Any info much appreciated. I am not a competitive rider (yet), and have only done the odd jumping lesson. That's why I'm asking.

 

[vickyb]

Some horse LOVE to jump, some can take it or leave it, some hate it. The last pony I bought was green, but the minute she saw a fence her ears pricked up and she was literally champing at the bit. She went on to be a brilliant jumper, winning loads. I would say all horses are capable, but if one is especially talented it will show early in their training. You can't judge ability just by looking at a horse and its confirmation, you have to see it in action - be training it. Is this what you were asking, or have I misunderstood?

 

[BeBopTalulah]

Some horse LOVE to jump, some can take it or leave it, some hate it. The last pony I bought was green, but the minute she saw a fence her ears pricked up and she was literally champing at the bit. She went on to be a brilliant jumper, winning loads. I would say all horses are capable, but if one is especially talented it will show early in their training. You can't judge ability just by looking at a horse and its confirmation, you have to see it in action - be training it. Is this what you were asking, or have I misunderstood?

Thanks. It's a good answer I'm no jumping expert, but sometimes I look at horses jumping, and they just look so 'awkward'. As if they either don't know how to position themselves, or they just don't like it. I've also noticed the huge part the rider plays. A different rider, and the same horse might jump well. I'm a 'lurker' lol. I like to watch things, do a bit of reading, but at the end of the day I want to know as much as I can. That's why I'm on here

 

[JFTDWS]

but sometimes I look at horses jumping, and they just look so 'awkward'. As if they either don't know how to position themselves, or they just don't like it.

There is a great deal of influence there by age and level of training. The last month or so has seen my highland go from awkward, in too deep and lacking rhythm over small fences to launching over 3ft spreads from a decent stride with reasonable form. You can improve a horse's way of going over a jump by improving flatwork, by gymnastic exercises - grids etc and by other means. Even a horse who is conformationally less suited to jumping can make a fun and useful jumping pony, depending on your aspirations

 

[welshcobmad]

Totally depends on the horse & training. My 14.3hh Section D has flown 3ft
6 with me on his back & higher loose schooling, I know of 15.2hh's refusing that height or struggling. I wouldn't catagorise based on height or breed, but more on training.

 

[BeBopTalulah]

Yeah, I've seen pretty tiny ponies jumping fairly high (around 3ft), and I think - is that because they're so small they can bounce?? It's reassuring to know that jumping can be improved with training.