Choosing the right horse for showjumping can be a tricky business. Competition is fierce, so it’s important to choose a horse that suits your skill set and temperament, and has the potential to succeed at a higher level. Whether you’re new to the sport or looking to get back into an old pair of boots, here is some expert advice on choosing the right horse for showjumping as well as some top tips for finding that special equine companion. Once you’ve made your selection, here are some tips on how to get the most out of them both in terms of training and preparation for competition.
Although visual appraisal can only go so far in determining a horse’s ability, it can help you rule out certain breeds or types of horse that might not be right for you. When you’re thinking about which horse to buy, check the conformation of the horse, particularly the areas that are important for show jumping – hocks, height at the withers, length of leg, angle of croup and length of neck. If you’re buying a used horse, you can check the horse’s conformation before buying to get an idea of what you’re buying. For example, if you’re looking at an older horse, you can try to get a hoof print and check the conformation.
If you’re just getting into show jumping, you may want to consider an easier horse, especially if you’re coming from another equestrian discipline, such as dressage. In general, you can start with a horse that is at the lower levels of eventing, perhaps in the A or B level, so that you have plenty of time to learn the ropes and have plenty of time to improve your skills. If you’re coming from another discipline, you may want to start with an easier horse, such as an A-level dressage horse.
If you’re new to the sport, it can be helpful to choose a horse that is easy to handle. If so, you’ll be able to focus on your own riding without having to worry too much about what the horse is doing. If you’re coming from another discipline, you may want to choose a horse that is more of an intermediate or advanced level. This will allow you to get a feel for the sport while also giving you a challenge.
You may want to ask the owner what they ride, how often they ride and what level their horse is at. This will help you determine how challenging the horse is and whether or not it’s appropriate for you. If you’re coming from another discipline, you may want to choose a horse that is at a similar level to where you’re at, at least for the time being. If you’re new to the sport, you may want to choose a horse that is easier and then as you gain experience and confidence you can move up to a more challenging horse.
If you’re not sure whether or not a specific horse is right for you, you might want to consider getting outside help, particularly from someone who knows your level of experience. This will help you make the best decision possible and make the most of your time and money.
If you don’t have a mentor to talk to or you haven’t been riding long enough to know where to start, you might want to consider finding a mentor. If so, you can ask the owner of the horse you’re interested in whether or not they know someone who can help you. If you don’t have a mentor, you can use websites like The Show Jumping Coaching Network and The Show Jumping Forum to find someone who can help you with your training and your horse’s training.
Even if you’re new to the sport or have only been riding for a short period of time, you should still be familiar with the basics. This includes things like grooming, feeding, and tacking up. If you show in a ring, you’ll also need to be able to turn your horse in a tight circle.
Show jumping is a great sport for all skill levels. If you’re a beginner, you can learn a lot from the experienced riders who will be in the ring with you. If you’re an experienced rider, you can enjoy yourself even more by jumping against more advanced riders.If you’re looking to get into show jumping, there are plenty of ways to do so. You can jump at your local show, or you can join a club or organisation that hosts regular events.