How to Train a Show Jumper Champion - Grid Work for Better Jump

The jumping gymnastics (grid work) build up the strength, style and confidence over the fences. They also make the training interesting and productive. Challenging the horse to face multiple tasks through the grid makes him extremely careful, trustful, willing and athletic mount. Here is Flying Hero, ex-racer from the track, learns how to negotiate the line of multiple fences. What a good pony! (17.2 hands).

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Show
• Show Jumping
• Training
• Flying Hero
• Thoroughbred
• TB Gelding
• Champion
• Jumping
• Gymnastics over fences
• Grid Work
• Athletic Horses
• Confidence
• Hobby Horse Farms

[GupiestheBEST]

whats the distance between those jumps?

[treasureisland970]

@GupiestheBEST The diagram of the strides between fences can be easily reconstructed from the video, and then one need to adjust the distances according to the horse's natural stride.

[sailhobiecat]

Very inspirational. I was jumping the same layout you have in this video just this morning! I wondered, though, even if you raise the height of the second and last jumps in the grid, is it sensible to keep the heights of the bounce elements smaller? I decided to keep them smaller when I did it this morning and you did in this video even though your horse clearly is a pro at this (he's lovely) :D What do you think?

[treasureisland970]

@sailhobiecat Hi!Thanks 4comment! Hero is a TB and an ex-racer, and his biggest challenge was to regroup himself before the jump ("sit on his hocks"), not the jump per se. So this particular grid was constructed for him to remind often enough about using his hinds.The size of bounces does not matter in this case. Besides, the higher bounces would optically obstruct the view of the final oxer and bring the unnecessary soreness of the back at the end of the lesson. The golden median is the best!

[Sewah1223]

hey, youve done an amazing job with your horse!! :) i was just wondering, i have a 16.2hh thoroughbred and hes 14 years old. he has never been taught to jump at all in his life and i was wondering if you could give me some excercise or something that i can do with him to help gain his confidence? because i think he would be quite a good jumper just when they get any higher than about 65cm he starts refusing because he doesnt have the confidence, any advise? would really appreciate it :)

[treasureisland970]

@Sewah1223 HI, thanks for commenting! 14 y.o. TBs might have some sensitivity in the front feet (conformational or traumatic origin), so they have pains on landing, and hence start to refuse. Make sure he is totally sound and the ground is friendly. Support your horse with your tall body at approach (no jumping from the neck) and introduce him slowly and patiently. Remember - you hose must LOVE to jump and be strong enough (physically and mentally) to get to higher level! Good luck!

[Sewah1223]

where are you based??? by any chance do you do lessons in this kinda thing?? lol!!

[ValleYaBoy123]

lovley rider :) have you done much dressage? you and your horse have a really close partnership its lovley to see, and he also looks like hes loving the jumping well done at the competition x

[mawazhere13]

@treasureisland970 Thanks so much! That helps alot :D

[Sewah1223]

@treasureisland970 thankyou so much. atm i have been in hospital and im not allowed to ride for 3 months but when i get back into it i will let you no how i go :) i think he should be an alright jumper but he just lacks the confidence and he lacks confidence in most things (wont go out by himself). will let you no how he goes :D

[treasureisland970]

@mawazhere13 Hi! Thanks for nice comment! This is a great exercise for forward thinking horse: it requires total control and full confidence. If you horse is a bit hesitant, try easier way for him, with more strides between fences and quiet approach. Gradually increase the size of elements without making them too scary and uncomfortable. Be creative and patient, adjust the level of gymnastic according to your horse and your own riding. Good luck!