Hey all,

I decided to have Nova jump over a tiny jump while I was lunging him today, and we caught it on video (only front angle). I realize I should have tried for a side clip too.

It's hard to critique just a 15 second clip, but I'd like to hear what you have to say. Sorry, no idea as to the height of the jump - as you will notice it's not a very professional looking jump. ;) I first put the jump with one end of the pole on the barrel, and the other on the ground, and he was confidently trotting and jumping that. But once I put up the jump up (only one pole so couldn't do an x-rail) he was doing well, but we did have one refusal - I think he was getting a bit tired at that point. The clip below is the last jump we did. Oh, and he only went over both heights about 7-8 times total.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sfazRcaNDw
(I noticed that he picks up the wrong lead, then does a change right before the jump. I was not asking him to canter up to the jump, so he chose to do that on his own.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAcxK_k8F_o
(This is just him trotting over the pole I put down to end the 'session' with. It definitely doesn't show him doing any jumping. Heh.)

And just a couple useless (but cute) pictures!

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j21/FallingForNova/Nova/IMG_8162.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j21/FallingForNova/Nova/IMG_8173.jpg

He looks like he is having a good time.How old is nova? Looks like you both have alot of fun together.

 Geez, he's cute!  As you say, a side view would be easier to judge, but from what I can see, he's using himself well.  Nice bascule, but it really looks like he's hanging his knees.  It's very hard to tell from the video, but it looks like all the action is coming from his shoulder to get his legs up, but doesn't follow through with his knees.  At the apex of the jump, his feet and forearms are tucked way back under him, rather than having his knees up and under his chin.  I could be completely wrong, because initially, I thought his knees were up.  The front legs get in a shadow and it's hard to tell where they are against his dark body.    

He looks like he's having fun and that's very important.  If you have the chance, try to video him from the side.  I'd really like to see him from that angle.  Also, find another pole, or something to use as a ground line to help him judge the height of the jump.  

I agree with remmer, and he does look like he's having fun. Good luck with him. 

Case Family - Thanks! He just turned three (end of April). I think we have fun together, almost every day I work with him is fun (as in he learns quickly and is pretty easy going), and I usually come in very happy with what we've accomplished. Let's hope he keeps that attitude!

Remmer - Thanks for responding! After watching the video again (after reading your post) I agree that he's tucking his legs up to the side (with his shoulder), instead of tucking them up under his chest. I will try to grab a video clip from the side soon. I think he was having a bit of fun too, which I'm happy about. And I'll use another pole (there are small ones around that I can use, they're just not big enough to make an x-rail).

Dukey - Thanks! :)

I agree with remmer.  I saw the same thing.  Nice bascule, low knees.  He might get better with training though!  Nova is definitely cute and looks like he is having a good time!

Agreed -- he has a really really nice effort though.  I love the way he used his head and neck and body.  As he gets older and can do some baby gymnastics, that will tell you a lot more about whether he can learn to use his forearm and knee properly. 

Thanks Nicole and Solaris. :) You can definitely tell he's trying. He's just not used to having to pick up his toes! (If you've seen him move, he's a total daisy cutter.) I might try free-jumping him later this summer just for fun. And I can't wait for a couple more years to see if he actually does have (at least a little) talent.

Man, he's cute!!!!!!! He looks so happy, and thats what makes a good jumper!

hes a little young to be jumping...i hope you linamented him when you were done!

Hes got a cute jump, but i wouldn't do much more until you know his joints are closed and stuff. Stay away from consistant jumping for at least another year!

He looks happy & cute though