What age POLL

[lucy1984]

Just curious. I have a youngster who is 3 years old and broken in 3 months ago. Personally I won't be jumping her till she is atleast 4.5 years old. However I was just wondering what everyone else thinks... I'm just going by age generally and not individual development.

 

[lowbardon]

dont have much experience with youngsters myself but if the horse was mine i would turn the horse away till it was a bit older plenty time for jumping when its older imo.

 

[Ezme]

I'd say 4 but I'd be flexible on the individual like our chunks, one of whom is 4 and undersaddle now but I wouldn't jump him, his legs aren't up to it

 

[RussianGirl]

Usually between 3.5 and 4; obviously allowing more time if the horse didn't seem up to it. We usually stay below 3 foot until the horse is about 4.5, not competitng properly until the horse is 5.

 

[MagicMelon]

I start jumping them as 4yo's, I don't start backing them until they're turning 4 and just progress onto jumping once they are balanced in walk/trot/canter etc.

 

[nobbster]

i think it depends on, how mature the horse is like with one of mine, he was jumped at 4 but did not take well so tuirned hima way from it until he was about 5 -6 yrs and he has just really matured and it doing well (touch wood) at the moment

 

[Donkeymad]

I wouldn't jump until five other than occasional small jumps or loose schooling jumping.