IT’S a bit like Marmite, but – love it or hate it – loose jumping is an important part of the production process for many owners, breeders and riders.
So what exactly is loose jumping? Essentially, it’s sending a horse down a lane – enclosed or open – to jump a single fence or grid without tack or a rider. It’s used worldwide for studbook gradings and to assess horses’ potential, teach them to think for themselves when jumping and, best of all, give them some fun.
“I think it’s great to loose jump horses, but with common sense,” says breeder and producer Shirley Light, who owns Brendon Stud in West Sussex. “My yearlings get jumped in our indoor school after their first winter in the barn. It gets rid of some of their pent-up energy and stops them going crazy and slipping over when they’re first turned out.
“I also like them to have some idea of how to jump in case they decide to make a bid for freedom when they’re in the field. I don’t want them to escape, but I’d much rather they know how to jump fencing than get caught up in it.
“We loose jump two or three yearlings at a time over a maximum height of 40cm and use hollow plastic poles to reduce the risk of injury. My two- and three-year-olds are also loose schooled a couple of times a year over a double. I can then gauge attitude, step and to a certain extent talent, but again, they don’t jump big fences.”
Shirley saves the slightly more serious stuff for the following year.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة April 23, 2020 من Horse & Hound.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة April 23, 2020 من Horse & Hound.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
New competition and classification to mean dressage will be for all
The new partnerships with British Dressage will provide opportunities for riders with intellectual disabilities
Pressure grows on the FEI to tackle concerns in dressage
A leading judge has made some recommendations he believes will help support the sport's future
Aidan Coleman
Just a week after he announced his enforced retirement with a career-ending injury, Aidan Coleman talks through his raw emotions with Kate Johnson as he ponders life outside the weighing room
Badminton groundsman
Phil Cole on flawless going for cross-country, perfecting his craft on polo pitches and being at the mercy of the weather
Pulling power
Carriage-driving horses have a very specific job, and with that can come specific injury risks. Rosie Mould MRCVS explains
'Plenty to get your teeth into'
This year's Badminton track is testing, but fair, says Nicola Wilson, the 2021 European champion who finished in the top 10 at this five-star four times
Townend leads British domination
The world number one spearheads a British clean sweep of the podium as he contests his 100th five-star
Birch is back in the big time
A former Olympic reserve rider scores her first international win in four years, while Kelsall specialists make their mark again
Comeback queens reign
Rehab work pays off for Anna Ross as she makes a winning return, while a pair of young riders' birthday wishes come true
Pender keeps it in the family
Ireland's Mikey Pender begins a remarkable grand prix winning double and it all comes together in the ring for a \"special character\"