Hi,
I have a question that has been bothering me for a while now. I think that my question is actually quite stupid, but I have to ask it to get some peace of mind. I have an almost five-year-old Finnish horse, gelding, which I bought half a year ago. It really hasn't been easy with him; he really has a strong personality. Besides, when I bought him, he was only 4 and had already had as many as five owners. So I guess that explains some of the problems I've had (and still have) with him.
Previously I was sure that I was going to buy only jumping horses, but as I have had a two-year break in jumping after my first horse died, I don’t feel like jumping that much anymore. Moreover, my dream has been to learn to ride western style, but I haven’t previously had a choice to make my dream come true.
My gelding has been started English style in his previous home, but I started to take western lessons with him last autumn and it seems to suit him well. We also had a few jumping lessons with him and he jumps quite nicely, but as I said, I’m not that sure about jumping anymore and my dream is to make him a western horse.
So finally, my question is, Do you think it is important to have jumping as a part of a young horse’s training? Most of the people I have asked are saying that “certainly your horse will get bored if you don’t do jumping with him”. I have also been thinking about the possibility that one day I would like to start jumping again. I guess it wouldn't be that impossible to teach him to jump then, even though he would be older?
I would really appreciate to hear your opinion.
Hi Hannis
First of all, there is no such thing as a stupid question, there are only people who are too stupid to ask when they need help ;-)!
Second, no I don't think it's important that a horse has to jump as part of his training so don't listen to them! What matters is what you and your horse think. If you don't want to jump anymore then don't. If your horse is taking to western training and seems comfortable then go for it! There is tons of stuff to do in western and as long as he is happy to work there will be no reason for him to get bored. If he does it is because he is bored with what he is doing, not necessarily that he is missing jumping! Remember, your horse already knows how to jump (every horse does!) - we don't "teach" them anything really, we just ask them to do it on cue for us. carry on as you are Hannis, if you and your horse are happy and kind to each other that is all that matters. Enjoy it and trust your judgement. Keep us updated with your progress. Best wishes. Vicci.
Hi Hannis,
I can't see why a horse would get bored if it doesn't get to jump. (I'm suspecting the people who told you that thinks jumping is so much fun, they project that to the horses.) There are, of course, horses who loves to jump, and they might be kept happier if they get to do it every now and then. Also, jumping - loose or with a rider - is good for their coordination, balance, muscletone, mental exercise, forward thinking etc etc, so lots of things to win in doing it.
That said, I am with vicci (like in so many other matters!;) ) that if you and your horse are happy with Western than I am absolutely positive neither of you will ever be bored - even if you never see another fence again! :)
Wishing you lots of luck an dlooking forward to hear how you will progress!
Hi Hannis
I agree with Maggie and Vicci, do what you want to do with your horse. I had a horse that not only didn't jump he wouldn't jump unless forced. He was a champion western pleasure and endurance horse and was so happy if he never even saw a jump. Have fun!
I too agree with Kicki and and Vicci - I cannot see any reason why jumping needs to be included in a young horses program. I would even go so far to say that jumping should be kept until they are a little older as it is rather strenuous for their muscles and tendons when they are young.
The only reason I see: if you meet an obstacle when you go out with your horse you can pass it and you don't have to return.
Rudi
Thank you for your nice comments! I agree with you all. It took a while for me to reply because I've been really busy with my studies lately.
Now I feel that I don't have to worry about the jumping issue anymore. Like vicci said, there are millions of other things to do. It just seems that some people around here (where I live) are often stuck with old and "traditional" ways to deal with horses. So I'm trying to learn to be different :)
I will keep you posted!