How to train for showing jumping with kids
Whether you’re a kid or an adult, proper training is essential for showing jumping. You need to practice with a trainer and put in plenty of time before attempting to jump. Kids should be especially sure to wear protective gear and get help from an expert. Start out with small jumps and work your way up as you feel comfortable. Most importantly, have fun!
Make sure the horse has a good training ground, like a sand arena.
Before you can begin training your horse, it’s important to make sure the arena where you’re going to train it is well suited to the task. A flat and level surface free of debris is crucial for promoting good habits. If the arena is not well maintained, it can result in injuries that may affect how your horse performs. For example, if a proper drainage system is not implemented, puddles may form on the ground and present obvious hazards for both horse and trainer.
In addition to making sure the training area is clear of obstacles, be mindful about what kinds of materials are used in maintenance. Avoid using ropes or other materials that might get caught in hooves or could become projectiles if stepped on by mistake. You want your horse’s focus to be on practice rather than worrying about potential hazards; this will result in better performance overall.
Have an experienced coach on hand.
Coaches should be experienced show jumpers who can help you train at home and provide guidance when you’re entering your first competitions. An instructor will teach you how to safely ride the course, so that you don’t put your child on a horse that’s too big or too small for them. They’ll also be able to help you learn pace and form, two of the most important elements of show jumping.
If your child is interested in becoming a competitive show jumper, it’s best to have an experienced coach on hand who has completed multiple jumps themselves and can give guidance about how to approach riding more complex courses.
Make sure you’re properly equipped for jumping and riding.
You should make sure that you have the proper equipment for riding and showing, as well as ensure the horses are properly equipped. Here’s what you’ll need:
- English saddle and bridle
- Horse boots
- Riding helmet (required for junior show jumping)
- Protective vest (optional, but recommended)
Make sure you know what kinds of courses you’ll be qualifying to ride in.
Understanding the different types of courses you’ll be qualifying for is essential to your success as a show jumping rider. The first course you will compete in is known as a round course. In order for your child to qualify for this competition, you must earn five points at one-star tournaments or two points at two-star tournaments. The next course is referred to as an introductory course and can be qualified for by earning ten points at one-star or three points at two-star competitions. In order to qualify for the open class, one must acquire fifteen points at one-star or four points at two-star events. It’s also important that qualified riders understand the difference between each level of competition, because different rules apply to each type of division. For example, while all levels require that participants stay within a designated time period, specific guidelines dictate what happens if they fail to do so–and these rules differ depending on which division they are competing in!
One example of an equestrian sporting event would be show jumping (also known as stadium jumping). In this sport, competitors ride horses over obstacles like fences, ditches or water jumps for speed and accuracy–the goal being not only successful completion but also achieving it faster than all other competitors who have successfully completed their own runs without faults! These types of events take place both indoors and outdoors with various degrees of difficulty based on height/lengths from low (1 foot) up through high levels such as grand prix/Olympic level courses containing obstacles that reach heights between 4 feet 6 inches (4’6″)–5 feet 11 inches (5’11”).
Start by learning how to do exercises on the flat, like transitions, trot pole work, and cross rail jumping.
- Start by learning how to do exercises on the flat, like transitions, trot pole work, and cross rail jumping.
- Do lots of pole work.
- Use trot poles.
- Use cross rails.
Learn how to pace yourself through different sections of the course.
If you’re new to the sport, it’s important to become familiar with the course and how long it takes to complete. This will help you determine how to pace yourself through different sections of the course.
Here are a few tips on how to prepare for your first show jumping competition:
- Know your horse: The first thing you want to do is develop a relationship with your horse—the more in-tune you are with him or her, the easier it will be for both of you. You need to build trust and communicate effectively together so that both of you can trust each other throughout jumps and turns during a competition. If he or she spooks at anything, be sure that he/she has passed a level of comfort before competing with them.
Develop a relationship with your horse as his rider that will help him learn what you want him to do on course. Horses are social creatures who love connection and attention from their people!
You should find a trainer who understands that horses are social creatures who love connection and attention from their people. Just like humans, horses want to learn new things, spend time with their friends and thrive in an environment where they feel safe and cared for. Horses are smart, but you can’t expect them to just know what it is that you want. Horses need guidance and instruction so they can learn—but the quality of that instruction is really important. The last thing you want is someone yelling at your horse or using force or intimidation to get him or her do do something—that’s not good for anyone!
Find a positive, fun instructor who will treat your horse with respect and kindness as he/she helps your child develop a relationship with his or her four-legged partner that is built on mutual trust and respect. If you help your child build a strong bond with his/her pony, it will pay off big time when it comes time to jump around the course!
Show jumping is not easy but it is rewarding!
Unlike riding on the flat, show jumping involves a whole lot more than just telling your horse to go up and down. Jumping courses are often spread out over entire fields, and require you to pace your horse accordingly. Each course will have different kinds of jumps, which will each require different riding styles. Some jumps require you to direct your horse with a light hand at the last second (called a “rollback”), while others are more suited to steering your horse while they’re in the air. To make things more complex, some horses have preferences as to which kind of jump they like best—for example, some horses don’t like big spreads (where the distance between poles is large) but can clear small spreads easily.
The most important thing you can do when learning how to jump is developing a relationship with your horse and learning their quirks early on!