How to Free Jump a Horse/Pony

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Set up your jump.

   You will need to set up the jump A) Along the fence.
   
   Or B) In the middle.
   
   However if you have an outdoor arena make sure your jump is smaller than the arena fence.
   
   If it is bigger, the horse might get confused and jump out of the arena!
2. 2

   Step 2: Put your block on one or two sides of the fence.

   The blocks mean your horse has a better chance of jumping the fence straight. , This pole is used both as a guide and warm up jump.
   
   You can place wings on either side of your jump, but make sure any wings you use do not have cups attached. (These are a safety hazard) , Your horse should be groomed, as if you are going to ride, but should not be tacked up.
   
   You can either exercise your horse in a headcollar or an in-hand bridle (A bridle with the reins taken off) , Lunging the horse allows you to warm them up safely as when you remove the lunge line your control is limited. , Take your horse/pony by the halter/bridle up to the pole.
   
   A few feet away let go of your horse/pony.
   
   Urge your pony over the pole with hands, voice and only if needed a whip.
   
   You may want to lead them over first, if your horse is young or nervous. , Remember to start with a cross pole and gradually work upward. ,,,, This is done completely off body language.
3. 3

   Step 3: Put a pole where the jump will be.

4. 4

   Step 4: Get your horse/pony.

5. 5

   Step 5: Lunge your horse/pony to warm them up.

6. 6

   Step 6: Unclip the lunge line.

7. 7

   Step 7: When your horse/pony is used to going round the arena

8. 8

   Step 8: trotting and cantering

9. 9

   Step 9: over the pole

10. 10

    Step 10: on each rein then put the pole up to a jump.

11. 11

    Step 11: Get your horse/pony jumping confidently over the jump on both reins.

12. 12

    Step 12: If your horse is feeling up to it

13. 13

    Step 13: you may want to add a bounce or a grid.

14. 14

    Step 14: When your horse/pony feels up to you can put the jump up or add more challenges such as spreads

15. 15

    Step 15: fillers

16. 16

    Step 16: waters

17. 17

    Step 17: If you want a real challenge then you can try to get your horse going over the jumps in course

18. 18

    Step 18: without blocks.

Detailed Guide

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