YES!!!!! I’ve been sticking a tentative toe into jumping over the last two years thanks to getting to ride some Hunters. Jumping isn’t something I’ve done much of, ever, but I’ve really enjoyed progressing my skill and learning how to approach different fences. I never thought I’d see the day where I jump a hedge, 1m+ jumps or do a full cross-country course, but here I am!
Jumping Stuart’s horses has definitely given me more confidence when looking at a jump, I no longer think ‘Blimey that’s huge’, when in reality it’s about 30cm! So when we were on our horsey holiday at Field Farm Equestrian with three horses who can jump, I donned my body protector with the full intention of seeing whether Roo would pop a few tiny logs whilst cantering around watching the proper jumping ponies have fun.
Well Roo suprised us all!!!! After jumping a few tiny logs, probably no bigger than a raised trot pole, Roo seemed to really enjoy it. He tucked up his little front hooves and was actually super brave and bold, anything he did stop at he didn’t back off, he just stopped and then took a flying leap.
We went up and down steps, over barrels, into and out of water jumps, over a house and a brush, through a skinny and over a ditch, we basically did the whole cross-country course and I had SO MUCH FUN! By the end Roo was loving cantering into anything and popping up over them, we kept it small, I didn’t want to push him and knock either of our confidence, but it’s definitely something I’d love to develop with him.
I think cross training is such a valuable tool to have and as Roo really needs to develop his bum and drive from behind more, jumping will really help him. It’s an extra bonus that we both really enjoy it. I might even have to buy a skull cap so I can start using our local cross-country course.
Beth Endurance 