Could he be a Jumper?

Question
Hi I own a 4 year old Thoroughbred off the race track named Skyler. I have owned him for about 8 months now and he is the absolute sweetest horse. When I got him I thought he was 6 turning 7 when in truth he was 3 turning 4, anyway he is a well behaved horse with no vices just slightly ear shy from being twitched on his ears but is getting much much better and has no problem getting the bridal on at all. Getting to my question, I am wanting to start getting serious in 3 day eventing and im trying to figure out the perfect horse for me to take me to the top. Skyler has the heart and athletic ability to be a jumper but my only fear is his cannon bones. Its not that they are extremely petite they just aren't warmbloo/draft cross thick, basically he has typical Thoroughbred cannon bones. What is a good size cannon bone for a show jumper/ cross country horse. Are there any measurement and if so how do I measure them? I don't want to push Skyler to hard and have him break down. Please help I have to decide wether to sell him and by this other sport horse or keep him. Thank you for your time and cant wait to here back from you.

Answer
Hello Sierra,

I don't think there is an ideal size for a TB cannon bone. It would have to be judged relative to his overall size, but I have never heard of an event horse or jumper injuring or breaking his cannon bone.  He might get a splint, but those are common enough.  The main thing is that you train him slowly and make sure that you get all the basics from a very good trainer/instructor.  You should buy some books on training jumpers and Jim Woffords book on training event horses/jumpers and study them carefully so that you will know if your trainer is correct or not.  If your horse is trained correctly and you ride him well, I see no reason why you should sell him and get another that may have other problems.  Developing muscle strength will protect those legs very well. Thorobreds have been the best in eventing for several decades because they have the "bottom" for cross country gallops and the staying power to come back and do stadium.  I'd bet on a TB any time over a WB or Draft cross.

Happy riding,
Dorothy