Jumping a horse for the first time?

[FreeRider19]

Hello

I was asked this questions the other day and wasn't quite sure of the answer!

How long after backing a horse should you introduce it to jumping?

Thanks for your help

 

[TarrSteps]

When it can walk, trot and canter with reasonable balance and control. Some horses benefit from doing a bit in trot even before the canter is established because they naturally canter away from the fence so it helps develop that pace.

For many horses this is a matter of weeks, others months. And if there is a problem obviously the rider has to backtrack and solve the issues, not just ignore them.

This also presupposes a fairly experienced, balanced rider too, though, who knows what they want and can stay out of the horses way.