Hunter Hack Let’s get it right.

What do I need to know? Do I know how to jump? Does my horse know how to jump? Do I know someone who can help me? How long do I have to prepare? If I do it right will my horse like it? Is it fun for my horse? The safe steps to teach us to jump.

Questions Need To Be Answered YES! Can I walk, trot and canter in control? Can I ride comfortably without my stirrups? Can I regulate my horse’s stride? Can I steer my horse to go where I want it to go? Can I do my 2 point position at all gaits?

What is a good jump? The horse arrives at the jump in an even rhythm, leaves the ground balanced and straight, lands smoothly and canters away.

Riders Job To create a good balanced rhythm. Maintaining a consistent pace to the jump. Steer the horse to the center of the jump. Give a good release to allow the horse to use it’s head and neck over the jump. Maintain the 2 point in the air and land in balance with the horse. Canter away in a controlled rhythm.

The Release is SO Important. Horses must pull their head down and forward to jump a balanced jump. If they are not allowed to use their head and neck, they will be physically unable to jump easily.

Frustration If the horse is not taught how to do the job asked of it. The rider cannot feel what is needed to help the horse, or stay out of the way. Pain in jumping leads to fear, or reluctance to jump at all. If the horse has physical issues that makes it hard for it to jump.

Equipment needed to jump Standards Rails Cups Some fill materials, brush, flower boxes. Suitable footing, safe for the horse. 100 foot measuring tape English Saddle and Bridle

Math Problem Jumping is a math problem. The basic knowledge must be learned before jumping is recommended. Shortening stride Lengthening stride Communication with rider Good balance, and control Willing to learn the process

Riding Exercise 1 Set 2 poles on the ground 58 feet apart Walk thru the poles in an even rhythm count the number of steps your horse takes. Slow down add 2 more, speed up and leave 2 out. Do same at the trot. Cantering this line should be 4 strides for the normal striding horse. Do this in 4, 5, 6 even strides.

Counting Strides The simple way: Land, 1, 2, 3, 4. Counting helps the rider keep a rhythm. Helps in learning to see a distance. A good rhythm allows the horse to decide when it is time to jump.

Measurements Trotting poles 7ft-9ft Cantering poles Bounce ft Trotting one stride 18 feet Cantering one stride 24 feet Cantering two stride 36 feet Cantering three strides 48 feet Cantering four strides 60 feet.

How much should I jump? Depends on the horse’s fitness level Jumping uses different muscles which must be developed. Start with a simple fitness plan, and stick to it. Sometimes the lesson must continue on another day, as fatigue can ruin the will of the horse. Not fair to jump a lot every day.

Free Jumping Round pen, or loose in an arena, or on lunge line Make a chute Make it simple, inviting Start with poles on the ground Map out the learning plan Be consistent and understandable Make it easy for the horse to get it right.

Arena Chute

Round pen chute

Now add the rider Your horse has jumped some on his own Understands the basic idea of jumping The rider is capable of understanding their position and job, 2 point and release I like to let the rider ride the horse thru the chute, as the horse understands it Placement poles help to learn the rhythm Always have a ground person to help

Proper warm up Horses need a suitable warm up so not to pull muscles when they jump Hacking and loosening up is important Starting over small cross rails to loosen the jumping muscles is good Continue to improve ride ability with proper warm up exercises Keep the plan fun and consistent

Placement poles Trotting to a jump put a pole 7ft-9ft in front of the jump, two steps then jump. This allows the horse to figure out the math problem, taking it out of the riders job. Cantering poles are ft in front of the jump, the horse will bounce thru this. These train the horse to fix the distance for the rider. Simple is the best way

Adjustability When you trot into a line of two jumps, it is normal to add one more stride in that line than when you canter in to it. Even pace is the most important lesson for the horse and rider to know. Without control, it is unsafe to jump. Trust comes with control.

Hunter Hack Jumping many jumps Basic Jumping

In Conclusion Be able to lengthen and shorten strides Be able to ride without stirrups Be able to do the 2 point position Be able to give a good release Get comfortable jumping 2 jumps Create a happy jumping horse Continue to learn and improve

Round pen work