Hey guys! I used to train for hunter/jumper, but after a couple years I decided the trainer didn’t really suit me so even though I really enjoyed jumping I went back to western riding. About two weeks ago I bought a 19 yo OTTB gelding, he is my first horse even though I’ve been riding for eight years, so I’ve just been getting to know him. I would really like to jump with him, I think he has the potential for it. He rides both English and western, though I’ve only ridden him western since I don’t have any English tack. So I guess my question is, how do I get back into jumping? I’ve been researching DIY jumps, does anyone have tips for that? Where can I obtain good tack for a good price, or what should I look for when buying used? What sort of training do I need to do with him to get him prepared? Is there anything I’m missing? Thank you so much!
Find yourself a H/J trainer who does suit you & can evaluate if this horse is capable of jumping.
On your own, the most I’d do is set up cavaletti & see how he treats a gymnastic exercise.
If you’re riding in a Western saddle, anything higher runs the risk of the horn injuring you.
Since you say you’ve “gone back” to Western, can you develop his jog into a forward trot, his lope into a canter?
For used tack, there are online sources & any tack shop local to you may offer consignment.
You’ll need a trainer to work with both of you to establish your basics over fences and determine if jumping with him really makes sense. At 19yo it may not be something he enjoys or is good for him at this point depending on what kind of wear and tear he’s taken. With your trainer’s input, there are plenty of flatwork and pole exercises you can do on your own to build the skills and strength needed for jumping. You’ll want to limit how much you actually jump him due to his age but there’s so much to be gained from quality flatwork that will pay off over fences.
Beyond that you really just need a well-fitted English saddle (doesn’t need to be expensive as long as it fits both you and your horse) and maybe a new bridle and bit depending on what you usually ride him in.
Take this gently and kindly: if you’re asking these training questions, you need an IRL trainer to get you both started over fences.
Having done it (actually the horse was an aged QH trail and games horse, probably had never seen an English saddle), it’s going to take some skill and guidance to get started but you may find he LOVES it. This is not something to try to take on without skilled help.
Until you find that help, start with poles on the ground and work on finding your distances that way. Set up a “course” of poles - practice getting your strides in between, can you tell when you got to a good spot or if he split his legs over it? Video your rides, this can help since you may feel one thing and see something else. Keep looking for a trainer that has kids/ammys and green horses (even if yours isn’t green) going well. You’ll need someone to evaluate your horse’s soundness and general conditioning and athleticism for jumping - most horses can pop around 2’ but there are limiting factors.
Tack: can you find an independent saddle fitter? This may seem like a big step but an ill fitting saddle (for you or the horse) can hamstring you greatly. Otherwise, you might can borrow from the trainer, and then chat with Pelham saddlery or HighLine, or Redwood tack. They might be able to help you find something used. Do you have a reputable English tack store in your area? Go there and ask for help picking out a bridle and other options. Dover is good for this, usually, but I prefer the local places that often have used stuff.
What bit do you use? There’s probably an English equivalent, unless you’ve got a big curb or gag in him in which case it’s probably a good idea to try and find a snaffle he likes.
Anyways, please please don’t try jumping on your own. Popping over a log on the trail is one thing, but you need a good H/J or eventing trainer to get back into the jumping scene. Honestly I’d seek out eventers at this stage - they can help your flatwork and typically have experience with the TB brain! Good luck!
Actually on that note - when you bought this horse did you do a vetting? Did you mention jumping to the vet? Plenty of 19YOs can, but if you told the vet you just wanted to trail ride they may have given a “suitable for intended use” and not gone looking for or told you about issues that could prevent a jumping career.
If not, I’d have a basic exam done and make sure teeth/legs/back/feet etc are cleared. You don’t necessarily have to spend $3k on X-rays, but just talking to the vet with the idea that you want to jump this horse more than occasionally is a good idea.
You might look into if there is an active pony club in your area. They might offer you connections to trainers and lessons doing things you might enjoy.
Pony club now has western dressage too.
