Jumping Question

[ohdearme]

Hi all,

Very sorry if this sounds like a silly question, but I was wondering how to increase a horse's jumping ability (if possible!)?

I am looking to loan a lovely Holsteiner x gelding, 15.3hh, not too chunky or fine build, good condition. I have seen him in 80cm & 1m jumping classes, and he seemed in his element in the 80, but perhaps stretched a bit in the 1m - seemed a bit unbalanced, his striding wasn't as good, and looked like he was only just clearing them (though still went clear!).

I am currently jumping at 80/90cm level, and hoping to improve my jumping on this horse & compete. Hopefully I'd like to compete regularly at 1m, or even above, but I feel like currently he may not be able to do this.

So - is it a matter of practice practice practice jumping eg gridwork/jump lessons/courses etc? Or is it a matter of improving general fitness and muscle tone, through hacking/schooling/fast work etc? Or could it just be that this is her 'limit' and may just not be able to go higher?

Opinions/thoughts please!

Thanks!

 

[be positive]

Without seeing the horse it is not easy to make suggestions but most can improve with correct training, fitness, feeding and generally making sure everything is done to ensure the horse is comfortable, the rider can hinder or help and needs to be considered in the equation, if the horse is currently struggling but still jumping clear then it may be a few tweaks to his management will make everything easier for him.
If you haven't yet ridden him it would be a good idea to see how you feel when you jump him, if you have a regular trainer then get their opinion, as it is a loan there is little risk to you if he fails to live up to what you want to do he can go back but most horses can jump 1m as long as they are fit and well prepared, if he is a genuine type then as a low level competition horse he is likely to be very much in demand it is not easy to find nice horses to loan you would probably learn a lot from him even if you feel he may be a bit limited long term the experience of getting out and competing is invaluable.

 

[chilledoutpony]

I can't say as I can't see this horse. But you'll need to ride him, jump him. Sometimes (maybe not in this case) they will need to do more grids and 'jumping gymnastics'. With one I rode for someone they looked over jumped, but grids seemed to help. One of mine-anglo arab- has a beautiful yet long/spreaded jump it might look he is stretching but its his breed.
X

 

[chilledoutpony]

And its not a silly question, we all ask questions. That's what fourms are for x