Choosing the Ideal Hunter Jumper Horse

Confirmation and Fit are Important in Choosing a Show Thoroughbred

Sep 29, 2008

Communication between the horse and rider is the key element for success in the sport of Hunting and Jumping horses.

When selecting the ideal hunter or jumper horse there are two important things to keep in mind. One is obviously the horse itself, and the other is the 'fit'. To triumph in this sport the horse and rider must work as a unit. We'll start with choosing the horse.

Horse Breeds

Several equine breeds have become successful show jumpers and occasionally the nonspecific grade horse will turn out in championship form. Most jumpers, however, are bred from thoroughbred stock or quarter horse breeding, or a combination of both breeds known as an appendix. Other excellent jumpers and hunters have been bred from a thoroughbred draft horse cross commonly called "warmblood" breeding. Most jumpers stand over 16 hands high but some have been as small as 14.2 hands. A smaller horse, however, may make the jumps more intimidating to the rider.

Hunter vs. Jumper Performance

There is a basic difference between hunting classes and jumping classes. Hunters are judged on their manners, style and ease of movement. Jumpers are scored by the number of obstacles they clear and the time involved in the jumps. Hunter showing and jumping horses are sports events and demand good athletic ability from the animal and the rider. The horse must be able to navigate sharp turns, clear high hurdles, and show amazing bursts of speed. A well muscled horse with good confirmation is agreeable, but the horse must also show willingness for discipline. Each event, hunting or jumping, requires good co-ordination and communication between horse and rider. When looking for the perfect horse seek one that shows well, with long legs, smooth lines, and a set to the head that indicates they welcome a challenge. They must not, however, be too forward or prone to acting out. Make sure you and the horse can form a bond. Letting a professional trainer completely chose your horse is not always a good idea. Their advice should be coupled with hands-on experience. When the horse is in the paddock it should show some interest, or curiosity, with you. And you, as well, should feel some kind of connection with the animal. That's the beginning of communication.

Fitting Your Horse

The 'fit' is as important as the horse. The animal should be chosen with your body confirmation in mind. The length of your legs, the structure of your spine, will have a lot to do with how comfortable you appear on the horse. That will impress the judges. You should chose a mount that suits you physically and allows you to show your ability as a rider.

The copyright of the article Choosing the Ideal Hunter Jumper Horse in Horse Competitions is owned by Allene Reynolds. Permission to republish Choosing the Ideal Hunter Jumper Horse in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.