Age to introduce jumping

[missynx]

What age would you start to introduce jumping if the pony was backed as a 3 yr old?

[Guestless]

For me, it would depend on the breed as some are slower to mature than others. In general, we will happily introduce a few very small logs somewhat naturally when hacking with a balanced 4 year old or sometimes leave it until they are 5 and take it from there.

[emilyequi]

depending on how mature the pony is, and their balance really. I would say a balanced 4 year old is where to start off lightly.

[missynx]

Would be a section A

[iluvmypony]

a mature 4year old, but nothing to big or lots of it as i think it could damage bones if doing a lot x

[GinaGeo]

Mine did a little as a "proper" four year old, about once a month and nothing huge. He's done a couple of courses since and I'm intending on getting him out to some SJ clinics his year with an eventer to bolden him up. He would pop an 80cm course quite sweetly now though, although it's still a bit green.

[lulah]

I would agree start small at 4

[catkin]

and there is jumping and jumping. I try to introduce 'going over things' (even just poles on the floor) as soon as I am able, when breaking. Makes for less of a fuss later on and keeps things interesting. Nothing too demanding, of course.

[klouisem]

I've always lunged/free schooled 3yr olds over poles/small jumps but haven't worked over poles/jumps until they're 4 if they're mature and balanced. My old maxi cob wasn't broken in until he was 5 as he wasn't mature enough then we lunged over jumps and he absolutely loved it and he then started doing small cross poles and he was very balanced and loved jumping.

[casper15]

i would do trotting poles and those little polypods (little jump floor cups) and gradually build up really slowly with little fences every now and again from about the age of 4 depending on the maturity and balance of the pony. I wouldn't do too much as you don't want to end up with splints and bad joints to affect them later in life