HOW TO TRAIN A HORSE TO JUMP

BY: WHITNEY BOERMAN

THINGS YOU’LL NEED

• A horse

• Jumping poles

• Jump standards

• Boots to protect the horses pasterns [ feet]

• Suitable jumping saddle

• Bridle

• Space to jump

Step 1

• Set poles parallel on the ground about 3 feet apart

• Allow your horse to smell them

• Warm your horse up around them

Step 2• dismount• Walk your horse over the poles like its no big deal• once he walks over them reward and praise him to reassure

him that going over them was the right thing to do.• Do this till he walks over them comfortably• hint; its good if he hits the pole a few times to get used to

the sound

Step 3 • Lead your horse over them at a trot at least 5Times hint ; you may need to adjust the poles to allow your horse to move freely

Step 4• Mount and walk over the poles• Do this until the horse is comfortable• don’t forget to praise him for doing what you asked• do this at a trot then a canter about 5 times each • hint; this will come easier to some horses than others.

Make sure you don’t overwork your horse until he hates you instead, stretch it over a few sessions and make sure you end each session on a good note.

Step 5• Raise the jump to the lowest notch• Let your horse smell it and check it out• Walk him over it like you did with the poles • Mount up and walk him over the jump• Do this a few times so he is used to it • do this at a trot then a canter• When you walk over it get in jumping position

Step 6

• Add the jump 9 feet from the last pole• Go over the poles then the jump• Once your ready, raise the jump• When your ready raise the jump again

conclusion

• Jumping a horse is easy if done right. If you follow my instructions you and your horse will go far. If you bond with your horse then your horse will jump to please you, not because he thinks he has to, trust me you’ll get better results. Try not to make you horses life all about jumping and hit the trails once in a while. And always follow the rule reward good behavior, ignore bad.