- 1). Get a tall horse. Horses that are typically tall, such as Thoroughbreds and Warmbloods, make excellent jumpers.
- 2). Start low. Begin your jumping training by walking over cavallettis (two to four rounded boards placed on the ground). This will help your horse gain balance when walking over an obstacle.
- 3). Trot your horse over the cavallettis. This will improve your horse's balance and coordination. The horse needs to think about picking up and setting his feet down at the right time and in the right place.
- 4). Lope over the cavallettis. This will help your horse get the proper timing he will need for jumping.
- 5). Raise the cavallettis. The second level of cavallettis should be approximately 6 inches off the ground.
- 6). Accomplish a walk, trot and lope over the cavallettis at this height.
- 7). Increase the height as your horse accomplishes the second level; add another 3 inches for the third level.
- 8). Walk, trot and lope over a 12-inch-high cavalletti.
- 9). Ready your horse for the jump. Lope your horse up to a low cavalletti, on a loose rein. Lean forward out of the saddle, grab mane and hold on.
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