Why do horses get excited by jumping?

[Waterborn]

Yes, Machno Carwyn is a legend Brighteyes, if Cariad has a smidge of his jump I'll be happy I hope to loan her out when she comes back from breaking, then the excitement starts ! Think she may make it as a worker, will have to wait and see

 

[penina]

Asking why horses like jumping is a bit like asking why humans like kicking a football between two posts - they get very excited about that

 

[Spyda]

I'd disagree it always has something to do with the rider becoming tense. I introduced my youngster to a single pole whilst lunging. You'd think it was Beecher's Brook every time

 

[MagicMelon]

It's not that I am worried about his excitement: and it is definitely not fear, he makes his dislikes quite apparent! I just wondered why horses enjoy jumping - when it really is something so unnatural for them (or perhaps it's not - that's why I was asking...).

I wouldnt say a horse rushing jumping is excited or enjoying it at all. I think they're stressed about it or whatever reason. I hate when people think their horses love jumping because they gallop at fences. Horses should be calm and relaxed jumping if they are truly happy about it.

 

[Deseado]

I wouldnt say a horse rushing jumping is excited or enjoying it at all. I think they're stressed about it or whatever reason. I hate when people think their horses love jumping because they gallop at fences. Horses should be calm and relaxed jumping if they are truly happy about it.

Yes, really agree with you there. Some horses have jumping talent (very few, actually), some can do it but get stressed by the whole thing, and some simply can't do it at all. I think a lot has to do with conformation and breeding - see the german jumping lines indices, etc. Horses rushing about the place and getting hot isn't an indication they "enjoy" something. Wild horses usually only run or jump if they are scared.

 

[Littlelegs]

I do think tho its not unusual for some experienced jumpers, that are relaxed & calm with a decent sized course to act like prats & take the mick with a small fence. I'm not saying all, but its not exactly rare.

 

[brighteyes]

Very few of the horses who 'take fences on' are confident and calm (at the lower levels especially but up there with the pro's, too) and as for rushing - mainly it is fear or anxiety. Sorry folks.

The schooled, obedient, talented ones are those at the top - winning.

 

[tallyho!]

Very few of the horses who 'take fences on' are confident and calm (at the lower levels especially but up there with the pro's, too) and as for rushing - mainly it is fear or anxiety. Sorry folks.

The schooled, obedient, talented ones are those at the top - winning.

yerr, well that is totally what me n littlelegs said innit.