starting a young horse jumping

Question
Hi, I have purchased a 6 year old 17hh half bred horse. He has done no jumping so I have startedhim over trotting poles on the ground - unfortunately because he is quite big boned he doesnt seem to feel the poles when he hits them with his legs - have you any advice on how to get him to lift them a bit more seriously or should I just give him time to realise what hes to do! Then what is the best method to introduce him to crosspoles etc etc. As mentioed he is very green and has no experience so Id be obliged of any help you could offer. Thanks

Answer
Hello Oonagh,

Start by scattering poles on the ground all over the arena ... at random. These are literally on the ground.  Let him walk over them over and over about 20 minutes during his work session. Then begin to trot over the poles.

Over a period of about 3 weeks gradually raise them to about 10 to 12 inches off the ground.  I begin by raising only one side of the pole at first. This gives me a graduated rise and also allows me to train my horse to go to the exact spot I wish.  At first he/she will bump the poles and maybe even step on them even at a walk and especially at a trot.  Remember that a horse cannot see directly under his front feet. He has to develop a judgement about where the pole is.  This is why we keep them very low and give him time to learn.

During all of this use the forward seat position and put a strap around his neck. You can never tell when he will lurch and catch you off guard.  Your reins should be as long as possible. Use only enough contact to guide and control.  But over the pole, drop the reins.

Then after three weeks of this, you can raise the poles to 1'4" and do the same thing. He will probably trot over them, but since he is so tall, maybe he will walk.  

When he is trotting easily over them at 1'4", raise them to 1'6".  They are still scattered over the arena at random.  This gives you many chances to jump and change direction which keeps him calm.  Don't canter over anything yet.  Keep the trot and if he is excited, circle before the pole and don't do it until he is calm.  I use cross poles before I raise them to 1'4", but my mare has to step over the 10" pole.

All this may take as much as two months. Depends on the individual horse. But don't rush this. "Make haste slowly" as the Master said.

After he has mastered this height you can begin the gymnastic grid.  Get back to me when this is finished and I'll give you some instructions for grid work.  OK?  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me again.

Happy jumping,
Dorothy