Jumper Eventer horse question! ...well actually a couple questions!!?
does a horse with high withers not jump as well?
whats the best jumping breed?
and how do you know if your horse physically will make a good jumper, hunter, or eventer?
mentally what makes a good eventer?
at what age is it to late to train a horse?
what age should you start trainiing your horse/pony for jumping?
thanks!
1) Withers do not make a jumper the heart does.
2) Most horses can jump, not all are at the same level. Traditionaly warmbloods are the top in this sport. Look into the bloodline of the horse you are thinking of getting. Some families/lines are bred for dresage others for hunters or jumpers while some bloodlines excel in both. Even Arabians have been known to fly, so don't rule out any breed. Olimpic bound you need a warmblood or similar type horse.
3) Set up a pole on the ground which you trot the horse over when lunging, then raise the pole and jump the horse over it without a rider to see its form and natural ability. Start small and work up to 3 foot high or so. This will give you a great idea of the horse's ability.
4)You need a horse with sound legs and hooves. Jumping is a very active sport so bone structure is key. You also need a horse that trusts you and has a huge heart. A lot of the top horses are a bit "hot" and not very laid back.
5) It is never too late to train a horse. But if the horse isn't physically able to do the work do to age don't torture yourself or the horse. Older horses will take more time and they have more habits, patience is key.
6) In the US we start horses early at 2yrs old. Which I feel is too young to really push a horse. If you start jumping hard core at this age you will ruin their legs. Overseas they don't start riding the colts till they are fully grown at age 4-7 depending on the breed/horse. But they also do tons more ground work and the horse is well past green broke before anyone steps into the saddle. I would wait till the horse/pony has finished growing before full eventing so you don't risk damaging the growth plates.
Best of luck and always have fun. To fly on a horse's back is the best high ever, you fly with angels.
