Jumping Prospect

Question
I own a registered Quarter Horse filly that I bred and raised. She is currently 14.1 hh at 9 months old and was running/playing in the indoor arena. She was witnessed jumping a full size 4 wheeler (over the seat area) and cleared it beautifully. It's not that she misjudged and jumped at the last minute. She had zeroed in on it and was committed.

This filly has been jumping before she was a week old when she was 41" tall. She was witnessed by a friend jumping a solid board that was 26" high. She had scrapes on the front of her hocks and I found her baby hair on top of the board. She had jumped this board multiple times. I removed the opportunity for her to continue jumping the board to prevent injury.

My question...I know this filly shows desire to jump, but is she showing unusual ability? Her mother can clear a 5 foot fence  standing still. The filly should mature around 16 hh.

Thanks for your input.
Sue

Answer
Hello Sue,

The answer to your question: "Is she showing unusual ability" is yes, she is. And she is showing unusual desire to jump.  However, please do not exploit this natural desire and ability.  Please give her time to mature and grow up before you begin to train her to jump.  That means 3 to 4 years old and then please train her the correct way. Read the books.  Otherwise you may have a 5 year old lame mare.