Youngsters - and jumping?

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moneypit1

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Harry is 4. He is a friesian x tb and is very immature. He was backed last Jan/Feb and has been brought on ultra slowly since! Today I tried some 'jumps'. They were tiny. I mean less than 1 ft. He was so brave. He did not stop despite being on the wrong stride etc. I just left him to it. He did the typical youngster thing of taking a flyer. How should I proceed? I do not jump him as a rule but thought it would interest him and boy IT DID! He does trotting poles beautifully. I think he needs placing poles as he cannot judge take off! BUT, he is so brave and honest. He does not stop. How should I progress with him? A short video of today. I know, pretty dire stuff but i want to do right by him so how should I proceeed from here?

xx
 
Ah he looks like he enjoys it. I'm no expert on youngsters but hope you continue to enjoy your jumping with him.
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He didnt look on the wrong stride particularly to me, you just left him to sort it out and you didnt have any half strides! I wouldnt worry you look like your doing a good job and he trusts you!
 
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He look like he is coming on well!!

PLEASE though, take the higher cups off the wings when u are jumping them - have seen nasty injuries being caused to horses and riders by leaving them on.

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Thankies, should know better really, a bit of laziness creeping in me thinks! xx
 
He looks good, as babies the only aim is to get over the fences sensibly which he's certainly doing. He's so unspooky! I'd just keep doing some SJ schooling say 3 times a week (careful not to do too much or he'll go stale) doing various things - maybe introduce some small basic grids like bounces or doubles etc. Buy Ernest Dillons book, its got diagrams of various grids and what their good for - I find it very useful! He also goes on about how to progress with youngsters.
 
I dont think he looks lame but the saddle is banging his back a bit.
I personally wouldnt be jumping a 4 yr old 3 times a week-maybe once if that-just x-poles but mostly trotting poles getting the groundwork sussed 100%.
I also wouldnt be asking to jump one after the other from a canter just yet, I would approach from trot at this age-just me..maybe im wrong.
 
No I would jump from a trot too at that age, gives them more time to think, also the canter at this age will be very weak so by insisting in canter you are making it difficult.

And agree with you rachelthegreat about once a week.
 
Thanks everyone. Once a week sounds sensible. He is not lame in trot but his trot is very pingy, its the friesian in him! You can see a beautiful outline of all his shoes from behind as he 'flicks' his hooves upwards! xx
 
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