Loose jumping older horses

[CastlelackSportHorses]

Just wondering if there are any pros/cons to loose jumping older (6yr old +) horses.
My rising 8yr old mare went through a stopping stint last year(albiet it was SI pain, now sorted and kept on top of).
But I find she ruined my confidence in her and now visa versa, so wondering would maybe letting her loose jump every few weeks help her find her own confidence without me interfering?

Just wondering what the majority thoughts are!

 

[Titchy Pony]

I think occasional loose jumping would be beneficial for most jumping horses. They get to jump without interference from their rider and use their own brains to figure it out. It can be good to get used to new fillers (remember the rewards!) and work on jump technique with V poles or bounces for example.

I wouldn't do it if you have one of those crazy, charge at the poles type of horses unless you have an effective way of teaching them to calm down on the approach to the jump whilst loose. You wouldn't want them to simply wind themselves up and risk injury or strain.

 

[CastlelackSportHorses]

I think occasional loose jumping would be beneficial for most jumping horses. They get to jump without interference from their rider and use their own brains to figure it out. It can be good to get used to new fillers (remember the rewards!) and work on jump technique with V poles or bounces for example.

I wouldn't do it if you have one of those crazy, charge at the poles type of horses unless you have an effective way of teaching them to calm down on the approach to the jump whilst loose. You wouldn't want them to simply wind themselves up and risk injury or strain.

Agreed. No shes a very level headed lady(Unlike her sister who would just gallop at them).
I think I will defo give her a loose jump(plenty treats for rewards.)
Just thinking would I put a smaller fence a few strides away or just let her roll on to one fence.

 

[New Forests Rock]

I always gave my 14.2 older jumping pony a loose jump at the start of each season, both to let him remember his job and so I could see from the ground how he was moving, judging his strides etc. Plus he really enjoyed it.

 

[tristars]

I do it on lunge and loose, I don't go big,70 80 cm, interesting to see how they make a small mistake, too near too far, rattle pole then sharpen themselves up