How to Evaluate a Horse's Jump By Lydia K Kelly At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Most horses can jump, but not all horses jump well. This is an important consideration when looking for a horse that will be successful in the hunter or jumper ring. So, how can you evaluate a horse’s jump and know what discipline he is best suited for, and whether he has the talent to compete?

To evaluate a horse’s jump, you will need to watch the horse perform over fences. If the horse is trained under saddle, have a trusted rider take the horse over a series of jumps. If the horse is not yet jumping under saddle, you can still evaluate the horse’s jump by setting up a jumping chute.

If at all possible, use a video camera to record the horse while he jumps. It is very difficult to assess a jump while the horse is performing, so being able to watch it in slow motion can be very helpful.

There are three things you should look for in a horse’s jump. The first is scope. The second is style. The third is attitude.

Scope is the power a horse has over fences. A horse with good scope will power over the jumps effortlessly, leaving plenty of room over the rails. He should appear to be capable of jumping far more height and width, even if the horse is currently jumping a big fence. While a hunter can have good scope, many riders prefer a hunter to jump the fences with minimal effort. This is easier to ride, and is usually preferred by the judges. On the other hand, a jumper must have scope to manage the large fences and difficult approaches found in the jumper ring. A horse with scope can power over even the most difficult obstacles with room to spare.

For a hunter, style is one of the most important parts of the jump. A top hunter will jump with close to perfect form, his knees even and tight to his chin, hind end tucked tight, and a nice, even bascule over the fence. The horse should jump with this form consistently, no matter how big or small a fence may be.

If a rider is looking for an equitation horse, there are some other things to consider. While a good bascule, where the horse stretches his back over the fence, arcing his body with his jump, is essential for a top hunter, or even for a good jumper, it is harder to ride. Often a horse with an excellent bascule will pop the rider out of her seat and make it difficult to keep the kind of equitation necessary to win the class. A good equitation horse will have a flat jump, without too much bascule, while maintaining the good form desired by the hunter rider.

For the jumper ring style is a matter or preference. While it is essential that the horse lift his legs high enough and tight enough to clear the fences, if he has adequate scope he can get away with a more unusual jumping style. For example, some jumpers are known to twist their quarters to one side or the other when jumping, clearing the fence this way rather than tucking the hind legs tightly and kicking them up.

Another consideration with jumpers is that they often will not perform well over small fences. Once you add some height, the horse will start to tighten his jump, but at the lower heights he may be sloppy and make little effort.

Finally, you need the right attitude. Any horse destined for a jumping career should enjoy jumping. A horse who is intimidated by the fences or who otherwise shows signs of not enjoying jumping is not well suited to a career over fences.

A good hunter will have a pleasant, yet relaxed attitude when jumping. He will approach the fences with enthusiasm, and while he might get a bit fast or excited, he will not avoid the fences or otherwise show signs of boredom with jumping.

A jumper needs a little more spice. It is not unusual for a jumper to be bored with small jumps, and make little to no effort over them. As the jumps get bigger though, instead of getting backed off, a true jumper will perk his ears and start putting in some effort. Many jumpers will show some extra personality when jumping, throwing in the odd buck or head toss as he performs. This is not desirable in a hunter, but as long as it isn’t excessive is understandable in a jumper.

Finally, it is essential for any horse who is intended for jumping to have a desire to be careful. If the horse knocks a rail, he should show more care as he approaches the fence, and pick up his feet as he jumps. He should not become afraid of the jump, or continue to knock down rails. No matter the discipline, a horse who doesn’t care if he knocks down fences is a bad choice for over fences work.

Take the time to carefully evaluate a horse before buying, so that you can be sure that he has the ability to perform well in your intended discipline. Good raw talent can be refined, but a horse who hates his job, or who has no natural ability will never excel.

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