Every hour you spend in the saddle practicing two point or riding without irons is preparing you for jumping courses. The rewards greatly outweigh all the hard work as the payback of being able to experience the joy of flying over a fence on the back of a horse. If you are a hunter or jumper rider than you may be wondering at what point in your training should you start raising the fence height, or even moving up a level.
Horsemanship Level and Confidence
The choice to begin jumping higher has two deciding factors, skill level and confidence. Some riders can’t wait to jump higher. These riders have no fear and will jump huge fences when given the chance. If this sounds familiar you need to evaluate your skills and see if you are realistically ready to move up. First, it is a good idea to have a knowledgeable trainer assist you. Your instructor will discuss with you what your goals are, put you on a training plan appropriate for your level, and give you a time frame of when you can progress.
Other riders get stuck mentally and never progress over 2′. If this describes you find a trainer that you feel comfortable with. Talk to your trainer about your goals and fears, be honest so he or she can pinpoint what you need to work on. Your coach can give you small goals to reach so you do not feel overwhelmed or nervous.
Practice Lessons
A few things you can do to prepare for higher fences is to ride smaller or same sized fences than your current level of riding but to challenge yourself by jumping without stirrups, adjusting the striding, and changing gaits between fences. These exercises will give you a good idea if you are ready to for more complicated courses.
If you are a timid rider, spend more time on the flat until you feel more comfortable on your horse. Practicing dressage patterns and maneuvers will help you gain control of your horse and boost your confidence. When you start jumping take it slow. Set small, easy goals that you can accomplish each time you ride and soon you will be jumping higher without fear.
Grids
Grids, also called gymnastics are a great learning tool for horses and riders as they are one of the best ways to perfect your position. A grid encourages horses to keep an even rhythm and stay balanced while jumping. The grid also allows the rider to work solely on his or her position without worrying about finding a take-off spot or steering too much in between fences.
An example of a schooling grid starts with a ground pole 9 feet in front of a small cross rail. After the cross rail, place a small vertical ( 2′ to 2’6”) about 18 feet away. Trot into the grid. The horse should trot over the ground pole, jump the cross rail, take one stride in canter, and jump the vertical. As you progress, begin by raising the vertical then the cross rail. A third element can also be added by constructing a low oxer beyond the vertical.
Take it slow when you begin raising the jumps. It is wiser to move jumps up a hole at a time instead five, as that will be a big difference to the horse. Be sure you have a safe, secure riding position, and control over your horse before ever thinking about raising fences.