conformation of showjumping horses

Question
what are the basic conformations that we should look in while selecting a horse for showjumping

Answer
Dear Kavi,

This s an extremely involved topic as I know nothing about the rider's ability, the horses you are considering nor the level of competition you are preparing for and/or competing in.
I will simply list some things to look for that should be pretty standard for any showjumper no matter what age, breed, level, experience, cost, etc..(because these are all very important questions one needs to ask and ones that I need to know in order to  be of any help)

- a MUST; horse must pass the vet-check

-should not be head-shy or 'spooky' (should be 'bomb-proof' as we say)

-should be comfortable jumping anything in any situation (important for showing...different fence types, noises, people, etc..)

-willingness to cooperate; not stubborn, too aggressive (but aggressive enough not to refuse and brave enough to leave the ground when asked)

-check his history - any accidents or reasons to be incooperative? You don't want any surprises.

-is he a round jumper (tucks up his legs and is careful over jumps?) He should come back to you and pay attention after landing as well.

-How does he move? check his legs especially in the walk and trot..Is he long-strided or short-strided int he canter and which is better for the rider (depends on level of jumping and competition)

-How does he hold his head and neck? Does he bulge to jumps, fight with the reigns, wave his head around, over-sensitive or not sensitive enough on the bit, etc..?(all negatives)

- is he safe? Does he tend to spook or fear objects such as water jumps, white colors, loud noises..as a result, does he kick, run off, etc..

-is it a mare, a stallion,  a gelding, a young horse or a pony-jumper that you are looking for?

a mare is a great choice, but like all women, tends to be moody and may have trounble when she is in heat. (hormone implants possible)

Stallions are great as well, but you will run into trouble when it comes to stalling your horse in the barn, being around mares, and being very moody as well. This is not a safe horse for less experienced riders.

You can't go wrong with a gelding unless you are interested in breeding.  
Ponies are perfect for the young rider starting out. However, I am glad I never had one and didn't have to go through the 'transitional pony-horse phase' that many other riders did.

-rider level;
advanced ameateur/professional levels:
larger warmbloods or hanovarians of 16.5 hands or higher with sound personalities, fit, experienced with showing and traveling. Their stubborn-ness can be handled by an experinced rider as can their moods, strength and aggressiveness. A good age for horse of this level is between 5-10 (5 is a good training horse to train to sit you and your needs for the future)

Beginner/intermediate: quiet and tame horse with possibilities of advancing to higher levels ( a great training device for the beg./inter. rider) Lead-changes and confidence is a must in this horse. Geldings are recommended (thoroughbred-although my personal least favorite.. with jumper training or a 15-16hand warmblood)Again, depends on rider ability, physical fitness, and height of jumps(not to mention the most important thing-confidence)A good horse age for this level is between 10-15

I wish that i could be more exact in my answer, but as i mentioned, it is difficult as every rider and horse is different. The above are simply stats that are best when purchasing any showjumper.
If there is anything else I can do, please let me know.

Best of luck, Kathryn


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