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Straight Pole Jumping

Last post 05-26-2008 9:47 AM by tcschulte. 6 replies.
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  • 05-19-2008 8:14 PM

    Straight Pole Jumping

    I trained my Quarter Horse mare to jump last year when she was two.  She would jump anything.  Now she's three and will jump almost anything.  Everything except the straight pole jump.  She thinks it's funny or something to go really fast and act like she's going to jump, then refuse.  I know she can jump it, she just won't.  Any advice???

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  • 05-20-2008 7:02 AM In reply to

    Re: Straight Pole Jumping

    When you say that you've been jumping her for the past year, do you mean lunging her over jumps or jumping with you on her? There are a lot of people who firmly believe that jumping before 3 (or even 4) is a pretty bad idea. 1. They aren't physically developed for it to be safe on their still forming joints (nor fit enough for it to be comfortable), which leads to major physical problems later in life. and 2. They often aren't mentally mature enough to handle that kind of work. My vet is also a trainer and on the national board for equine behavior and he said that he has seen more mental breakdowns in reiners (who work their horses hard at 2) and hunters that start jumping before 3 then any other discipline! Jumping (even the small stuff) is pretty strenuous physically and mentally. Rushing jumps is usually a sign of anxiety and refusing is often from fear/lack of confidence (or a learned habit). This may not be the answer you were looking for, but I would highly suggest giving your mare a break from jumping and work up her confidence in some good groundwork and flat work.

  • 05-20-2008 9:21 AM In reply to

    Re: Straight Pole Jumping

    Just for clarification, I assume by "straight pole", you mean a vertical?  Does she also rush/refuse a crossrail?  Are you riding her over these jumps, free jumping or lunging her?

    I don't think she's being *funny* by rushing and refusing.  She's having some kind of problem, whether it's physical or mental.  I definitely second everything kc192 stated.  IMO, jumping at two (and three) is waaaaay too early to start.

    Back off the jumping for a while (for, oh, say a year) and concentrate on your flatwork.  I know jumping is a lot of fun, but in order for your mare to be able to jump later in her life, she needs to mature first. 

    Cindy

    Happy Holidays!


  • 05-20-2008 5:13 PM In reply to

    Re: Straight Pole Jumping

    You should not jump your horse until they're atleast five. In my opinion, four is pushing it even though I've trained that early. I would not even be riding hard under saddle at two yet, but that is just me. Jumping? That is way different than simply walking and light trotting at that age!

    A straight pole jump, I agree, she is thinking of a vertical.

    tcschulte:

    I She thinks it's funny or something to go really fast and act like she's going to jump, then refuse.  I know she can jump it, she just won't. 


    My advice is don't jump her, it's simple.

    And when she's old enough, you start with ground poles, then cross poles, and one foot verticals. I don't know why some people feel the need to start so young. :\
  • 05-20-2008 8:00 PM In reply to

    Re: Straight Pole Jumping

    thanks for the information...

  • 05-24-2008 11:30 PM In reply to

    Re: Straight Pole Jumping

    wait until shes 3 to jump, other wise you will kill her legs.

     other wise, its not her being funny... she was not trained properly because she is getting anxious about jumping. If she is going really fast, why are you jumping her? shes needs some serious retraining to get more confident about jumping. when shes 4, start her over x's, little verticals and make her jump them calmly.

    If Dressage is a symphony...Eventing is Rock & Roll!!
    "Be clearly aware of the stars and infinity on high. Then life seems almost enchanted after all." - Vincent van Gogh


    Smile...it makes people wonder what your up to!!
  • 05-26-2008 9:47 AM In reply to

    Re: Straight Pole Jumping

    okay people!!!! I get it!!!! you don't have to reply any more.... thanks!!!!!  Im good from here, i can handle it!!!!


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