jumping a 3 year old?

[lolly10fi]

my friend bought her first horse few months ago who is only 3 years old 15hh never been riden before and after a week she started backing her and is now jumping her 2'9 i havent said anything to her but i thought it was wrong is she making a big mistake or am i just worrying?! :/

 

[Jools1234]

not something i would do

 

[windand rain]

A huge mistake if this horse is only 3 this year would be hard pushed to find it acceptable if it was approaching its fourth birthday even but some are allowed to jump at rising 4. If it is 3 this year it is still likely to be only two and some months so not even old enough to be sat on in my view

For goodness sake why are so many people in such a hurry to damage their horse

 

[mandwhy]

A little cross pole every now and then maybe or a bigger jump very occasionally, I assume this is courses of 2ft9? No I wouldn't do that.

As it is her first horse maybe she doesn't realise that a 3yo needs to be treated differently to an older horse? Did she back it herself? Seems a bit odd but there we go. Maybe you could try and help her 'come across' some information about bringing on young horses, a book or something!

 

[056775]

For goodness sake why are so many people in such a hurry to damage their horse

I second this... Some people just want the fun fun fun without a thought for welfare or future problems.

All about rider and horse education

I would raise your concerns whilst explaining why... If she wants the horse to be jumping at that age suggest loose schooling and the benefits it could have for them both.....

 

[JFTDWS]

3 rising 4 this year, I'd pop the occasional x pole. 2 rising 3, definitely not. Courses of 2'9 seems excessive to me.

 

[holeymoley]

That is ridiculous !

 

[splashjack]

I would maybe explain that its a bit early to be jumping suggest a bit more ground work first , if you can?

My lad is just rising four, i brought him 5 months ago as supposed 5 year old but knew he was younger (only 3 and a half)when i went to look at him!!
he had been imported from ireland 4 months before she had pics of him hunting, show jumping etc!

I couldnt believe it poor lad was hunting as a two rising 3 year old!
I have taken him right back to basics just long lining and light hacking, wont consider jumping him again till maybe end of this year, then will be just small cross poles!

he is so genuine for his age and this is prob why he was took advantage off bless him xx

 

[ilovejake]

It depends if he is rising four or a young three year old. But she should not jump her if she's only just backed and so young, is she trying to 'break' her horse!