Jumping- Teaching them to jump higher?

[Dizzle]

So, I sold my big horse who hated jumping but could, when the mood took him, jump 1.10m with ease and replaced him with a 13.2hh pony that LOVES jumping.

I've had her over 3ft in the school, first couple of tries she jumped it ok, last time I really put my leg on and she found an extra ping, you could really feel her put that extra push in to pop it. This is the first time she has ever jumped that height under saddle.

With schooling and lessons can I improve her scope or is it an inate ability?

I'm not hugely fussed about going much higher to be honest as we just jump for fun but it would be nice to school her on and try our hand at decent courses (once we get over her fear of fillers that is!).

We're starting regular jump lessons but I'm just curious to find out peoples views on it.

 

[annunziata]

you will improve her scope but there will always be a natural limit to her ability. The best way to improve her bascule is by flat work and lots of it. If she learns to work with her hocks under her on the flat then jumping will become childs play

 

[lcharles]

I think a lot of it is confidence. I have recently wondered this as I compete at 1.15 and my lad will jump the odd 1.30 jump but I very much doubt he'd jump a course of 1.30m, mainly because he is still lacking technique but also confidence of the big oxers.

I guess its also down to conformation and muscle, a huge hind end should give extra power in theory.