The horse required for show jumping must move with balance, obeys instantly in any situation and can produce enough jumping ability, speed and agility to satisfy the high demands of today.

Every thing a dressage rider requires from a horse must also be demanded from a successful show jumper. The horse must be obedient, the horse must be flexible and in balance, the horses back must be round and carry the rider's weight efficiently. The horse must be able to change lead leg in canter instantly on the rider's commands. The rider must have the ability to shorten and lengthen the horses stride at will. In fact, the show jumping arena is merely a dressage test with obstacles in it.

Look at an international level show-jumper coming into the arena. The horse is round and on the bit with its quarters engaged - ready to release the energy necessary to negotiate the jumps.

Success in the higher levels of jumping must of course have a sound foundation in the lower levels. A rider will not make the top in show jumping if he does not have a secure dressage seat and a sound basic knowledge of working the horse on the flat. The art of show jumping is riding the horse between fences so that the horse is fully prepared to jump the jump in balance and be instantly ready to negotiate the next obstacle.

This is where we can help. We can help you prepare and maintain your horse's flat work for his show jumping career. With our email support, we can discuss your thoughts and problems with the show jumper in mind. A truly unique and personal service for the show jumper.