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Discussion on Teaching young horse to jump
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Member:
erika
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Posted on Sunday, Apr 20, 2008 - 10:20 am:
I ride my five year old mare on the trails and occasionally there is a tree down that I would like to jump. She doesn't quite get the concept yet. Her usual reaction is to stop, put her nose down and look at it, then step over.
I have followed other horses over, sometimes with success, sometimes not.
I think that with this horse, she might have an easier time of figuring it out without me on her back. I have seen reference to lunging over cavaletti, and free jumping here. I have never done that and am not quite sure how to introduce it.
My intuition would be to lunge over poles on the ground first, raising them gradually. But does the horse go round and round jumping each time, or does one lunge closer in, and then send the horse further out to the jump sometimes (hard to describe)?
I'm hoping someone here can give me a good method to try. This horse's mother is such a natural jumper--obviously the daughter didn't inherit that, but I don't think the occasional log on the trail should be the issue that it is.
Thanks,
Erika
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Member:
scooter
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Posted on Sunday, Apr 20, 2008 - 11:59 am:
Hi Erika, mine will also put nose on and walk over said log on trail rides. They will jump it if I trot to it or at least have an energetic walk going. So maybe first let her walk up to it so she knows it's there...then go get a "running" start at it. Be prepared for a refusal it can happen at first.
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Member:
sarahb47
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Posted on Sunday, Apr 20, 2008 - 3:38 pm:
Hi Erika,
Here's a book I wrote about teaching green horses and novice riders to jump-- Jump with Joy: Positive Coaching for Horse & Rider. Lots of step-by-step instruction for exactly what you're asking about!
Amazon and Borders should carry it.
Sarah
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Member:
erika
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Posted on Monday, Apr 21, 2008 - 2:29 pm:
Diane, it isn't a refusal situation, I truly get the feeling she just doesn't know how to use herself to get everything in the right place for a jump yet.
One time as we trotted down the trail behind another horse, she kept going as if to jump but got a little scrambled and ran into it instead. Not unwilling, just unwitting!
I think it gave her a little scare.
I would like to help her confidence with little--but unyielding--objects for both our safety.
I have seen lots of discussion about free-jumping and lunging over jumps here, particularly, I think, from Elizabeth. I just am not sure how to set the equipment and how to send her over it.
Elizabeth? If you're reading would you mind chiming in with your method?
Sara, the book looks interesting. I checked out your web site. I think I already own your driving book! (along with several thousand other horse books!). I used it to harness train my last driving horse. When I get the chance I will certainly pick up Jump with Joy.
Right now I am hoping for some advice specific to this ground training.
Thanks all,
Erika
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Member:
sarahb47
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Posted on Monday, Apr 21, 2008 - 3:38 pm:
Erika,
Here's some quick, specific advice:
Ride your mare over random ground poles in your training area -- arena, field, wherever. Just scatter a few rails on the ground so you can ride over them one at a time. Work in big circles or loops, so you approach each rail straight and she has time to see each one.
Start at a walk. Approach straight on light contact. Two steps out, lighten your rein so she can look down but don't let her stop. Do lots of random single rails or 6-inch-high logs on a trail, at a walk, until she has taht figured out to focus on the obstacle, adjust her steps, and step over cleanly without pausing.
Then do the same at a trot or jog. Again, keep the approach straight, do only one rail at a time, and give her her head. (YOU look up; she gets to look down!) If she slows to examine it, give her a nudge and tell her she's to keep going. You don't want her to rush but she's got to generate the energy. Doesn't matter if she steps, hops, or actually jumps the rail -- green horses often vary the amount of effort. Just be sure you don't thump on her back or catch her in the mouth -- be ready for anything!
Then do the single rails at a canter. Let her figure it out as much as possible -- if she hops over smoothly, great. If one leg lands on one side and three on the other, that's okay. You need to let her make little mistakes and figure it out for herself, and starting with a rail on the ground is the safest.
Then look for 6 to 8 inch logs, and trot or canter those. It can help to have another horse as a leader, but be sure to give your mare plenty of room to SEE the obstacle.
this should get you going!
If she longes well, you can longe her over single rails and small crossrails too. Don't try to free-longe unless you have a secure arena and a helper -- it's easy to scare a horse and get them anxious in free-longeing.
Some horses seem to be born with the inclination to lift themselves off the ground; others just don't seem to know that they can become airborne. Gaited horses (fox trotters, walkers) and horses that four-beat or travel very flat at the canter tend to have more trouble with jumping because there's no natural moment of spring-and-suspend in their canter.
But all horses can learn to jump a two-foot log! And it will make her a more savvy trail horse if she's learned how to manage her toes better over obstacles.
Good luck!
Sarah
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Member:
ekaufman
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Posted on Monday, Apr 21, 2008 - 5:18 pm:
Hi Erika,
Yup-- lurking here.
So my method isn't all that professional, but every horse I own jumps cheerfully, including my broodmares.
I always start them in hand. To me, proper leading is the core skill for everything with horses. So I lead them over obstacles-- rails, ditches, whatever. I lead them from light to dark, into puddles, etc.. If they lead well, they will come. If they hesitate, I wait. If they back up, I return to leading exercises. However they get over it, I praise them quietly and move on. The message is that obstacles are no big deal.
To teach actual jumping, I will set up a small X or a tiny vertical and jog them over it in-hand. I give them a loose lead, and am watchful not to get smushed. (Note that they can be klutzy the first couple of times, and also have a tendency to follow too close because they figure my feet are in the magically safe spots). Again-- nothing is a big deal. It's just leading with an obstacle. Jumping is just riding with an obstacle. Reward effort, be patient with mistakes.
My horses let me know when they are ready to jump without me-- it's usually some expression of irritation that there's a human in the way. That tells me they're confident enough to free jump.
Free jumping is always my next step. I never lunge over jumps-- there are safety concerns, but it also cheats the horse of an opportunity to manage his body completely independently. They learn better from their own mistakes than from human direction.
I always give a ground line and placing rails at 9-11 feet, depending on the horse. The point is to bring him in quietly and consistently. I never chase or send them over jumps. If mine seem to need that, it means I'm rushing and over-facing them. If they swerve, stop or back off, then we go back to the leading exercise. The point is to develop their own eye and judgment and confidence.
As Sarah said-- they all can do it. It's letting them learn in a progressive way and develop their own eye and balance. That independent balance and horse sense can save your life, so you don't want to rush it.
I don't ride them over jumps until they are free jumping happily and consistently-- coming in quiet and in a steady rhythm with that happy look that tells me the confidence is there. I love watching them figure stuff out. If you are patient and do not drive them, they will not blame you for their inevitable mistakes. Just take lots of time, and don't do too much at once. Always end with success, even if you have to go back to lead them over a single pole.
Bill Steinkraus's book is the classic, and has wonderful advice. I haven't read Sarah's yet.
Here's my young stallion as a 3 year-old, showing off his free jump. That's a 3.5' square oxer, and he obviously felt it was too low (note that over jumping is also typical of a young horse, but he was showing off in this photo, because I was cheering.)
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Member:
juliem
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Posted on Monday, Apr 21, 2008 - 5:43 pm:
I know nothing about teaching a horse to jump, but have always wondered how you get them started free jumping? Erica,I don't mean to hi-jack your post, as it seems to me free jumping would be part of the training process, but for those of us who are ignorant, how does one go about that?
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Member:
ekaufman
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Posted on Monday, Apr 21, 2008 - 7:05 pm:
Hey Erica, one more comment--
Any choice that safely clears the obstacle is a success. So if your mare is walking over a log, that's awesome. My Holsteiner mare won't jump anything lower than about 2.5'. She's bred to jump, and finds small stuff ridiculous. But as long as she crosses it safely, in the right rhythm, then how she does it is her call, and I would never penalize a step over. It's actually a nice safe choice, especially for an unschooled horse in unfamiliar footing.
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Member:
muffi
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Posted on Monday, Apr 21, 2008 - 9:42 pm:
Lovely - It's time for me to make jumps again! My boy loves to jump - just hasn't had the chance to in a couple of years.
Man - It's time!!!
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Member:
imogen
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 22, 2008 - 2:15 am:
This is a great thread. I wish we had a way to vote certain threads "really useful" and keep them in a special area (stickies or similar).
Imogen
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Member:
erika
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 22, 2008 - 8:27 am:
I second that, Imogen. Great advice from all of you. Please keep 'em coming if anyone has anything to add.
Julie, I certainly don't mind the segue to a related topic. I'm here to learn, too.
Love the picture of your boy, Elizabeth. I hope Cleo will be soaring so gracefully soon!
I am off to New Orleans for a week or so to visit my son. Don't know what internet access I'll have there besides my Crackberry, but I can't wait to check back for more great ideas.
Thanks,
Erika
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Member:
erika
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Posted on Friday, Mar 27, 2009 - 9:20 pm:
Update on Cleo's jumping training:
Cleo seems to really like the little jumps. She will actually follow me over them without the lead.
I have been lungeing her a bit before riding and I usually end with a couple of trips over a cavaletti or two set on the top of the block (not much more than a foot, probably, but enough to get her off the ground) and she actually seeks it out--probably has figured out that we're almost done with the circles, and time to do something else!
Today we found several downed trees, again very small, but enough to get off the ground. She did great over all of them on the trail. Calm, willing.
I am really hoping to fox hunt her next fall on a regular basis so I do need to get her safely jumping up to 3 feet. Problem is, I'm a little chicken to start adding any height(I'm no longer the fearless flyer I once was!!). Cleo still gets her legs mixed up here and there. You know, not sure whether to just trot over it or pick up both front feet and jump?
Her mom, who was an amazing and dependable jumper would sometimes do the same if it wasn't worth lifting herself up over. But I had years to believe in her that she would get over anything I faced her with. Not sure Cleo has that kind of heart or confidence yet.
So, would the advice be to keep doing the little ones until she/I get more comfortable? A friend told me that she may actually jump better if they are a little higher since the little ones can be crossed without getting airborne. So should I raise the bar and see how it goes? There's nothing that rattles me more than a "stopper", so how do I know when she is ready to pick it up a notch?
I won't feel comfortable hunting her unless she can comfortable jump anything that might come up unexpectedly. Any more sage advice for me?
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Member:
ekaufman
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Posted on Friday, Mar 27, 2009 - 9:43 pm:
Hi Erika,
Sounds like great progress. I agree that they almost always jump better with larger obstacles, until they get too large. My gray guy will stumble over ground rails, but jump a 5' square oxer clean. Go figure. I'd start giving her bigger stuff, but if she continues to be careless of her feet over higher jumps, I'd make them solid obstacles that will have "natural consequences" she can learn from if she's sloppy. In the beginning, I'd be careful to give her ground lines and placing poles, but if you want to fox hunt her, she'll need to develop her eye so that she doesn't need these. Free jump her over larger and varied solid obstacles until you and she are confident in her ability to get herself safely and with sanity over them.
Do you have a friend or trainer who can take her over these under saddle before you do it? I know the nervous feeling-- I've not been the same over fences since I broke my neck jumping-- and would suggest watching her carry someone else safely before you do it yourself, if you get to that point and are still worried.
Where are the pictures???? Let us know how it goes.
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Member:
erika
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Posted on Friday, Mar 27, 2009 - 9:57 pm:
I really wish I had pictures!! Trouble is, I am always by myself unless I trailer to someone else's farm to ride.
That's a good suggestion, Elizabeth, I'll see if my little teenage horse buddy will come and jump her for me. She's as fearless as I used to be, and quite a good little rider. She rides Cleo sometimes just to help me keep her in shape.
Next time she comes, I'll see if I can snap a pic or two.
I took some pictures on the trail today with my cell phone. Trying to get them to send to my computer. I'll post pictures of Cleo's ears with the two dogs in the middle, Haha! Best I can do for now!
Thanks,
Erika
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Member:
jowidner
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Posted on Friday, Mar 27, 2009 - 11:17 pm:
Hi Erika, I think that I'd work on building her intelligence and hoof-smarts by training over all kinds of obstacles, not just jumps, but trail-like bridges, tarps, and poles laid out in patterns so that she feels secure going over anything you ask. That will build both her confidence and your confidence in each other, as well as teaching her to size up obstacles and figure out where to safely put her feet.
As far as jumping goes, I'd train in the ring with ground poles and related distances over something just high enough to encourage a jump, and introduce natural jumps out on the trail. What would be great would be to ride with someone who has an old trooper who can give her a lead when you ride out.
In my experience, horses tend to jump the natural obstacles quite well, but the green ones sometimes hesitate or over-jump, and that can unseat you unless you can stick like a tick. Having that lead out horse tends to reduce the hesitations and over-jumping.
BTW, I love those between the ears pics! It makes me feel like I'm out on the trails again.
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Member:
jowidner
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Posted on Friday, Mar 27, 2009 - 11:34 pm:
Oops. Just read the entire thread. Guess I didn't add anything new, but its nice to see that we all think alike!
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Member:
erika
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Posted on Saturday, Mar 28, 2009 - 10:14 am:
Okay, solid jumps it is...I like that because I've always started horses over natural objects. I think if they know they can crash through jumps they are less careful--at least one like Cleo, she isn't spooky in the least and doesn't mind pulverizing the jump if she doesn't get herself together.
I am at the mercy of nature though, to find downed trees. And since I ride on state park trails, the rangers cut downed trees up in a matter of days if they cross the trail. Any suggestions as to what you use in the ring for solid jumps?
Jo Ann, Cleo is an ATV--will go through/over/under just about anything. It's fun to see her check out new stuff. She is bold that way!
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Member:
ekaufman
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Posted on Saturday, Mar 28, 2009 - 10:53 am:
Railroad ties, picnic table benches laying on their sides with legs pointing to the center of the jump (you need 2 benches minimum, a third is nice because you can put it on top with legs down), sandbags, bales of straw, cardboard boxes with some weight in a line, piles of brush, etc.. Once you start thinking about it, the world is full of things for a horse to jump over. Just make sure it isn't hazardous (like small tires) in case she does something really klutzy.
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Saturday, Mar 28, 2009 - 11:23 am:
I wasn't thinking about jumping, but this sounds like fun!
Erika, if I break my neck, I'll think of you and this post,  !
I have used hay bales, plastic barrels, RR ties, PVC pipe on blocks, dragged logs into the arena, like Elk says, it's anything you can come up with, as long as nothing to get a leg caught in.
I've done some jumps when first saddling a horse just to give them a different feel with the saddle on. But not with me on, at least not intentionally!
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Member:
erika
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Posted on Saturday, Mar 28, 2009 - 8:16 pm:
Husband just read over my shoulder and said "Great, we'll look just like 'Sanford and Son'." Teehee! Now those kinds of jumps can be a thing of beauty to a horse person, but evidently to anyone else it just looks like junk!
Maybe on a slow day I can get my farm helper to cut up some big logs and drag them in to stack.
Where do people get the plastic barrels? They would be handy for a lot of training stuff, besides jumps.
My boarder offered me more rails to use as ground poles, etc. So I am on my way to a nice practice course!
Today I found several downed trees on the trails and had fun popping over. She definitely jumps better with either a bit more height or width. The width doesn't intimidate her as much as a vertical, but still gives her the incentive to get off the ground.
Angie, I'll think of you, too, if I crash! Haha!
Erika
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Member:
jowidner
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Posted on Sunday, Mar 29, 2009 - 11:35 am:
Erika, LOL. I think that my husband could relate very well to your husband! Funny how he considers my horse stuff unsightly junk while the gardening stuff that he buys is necessary and useful and needs to be sitting out so that its handy to the garden! Hmmmm.
We got our plastic barrels off of Craig's list. We made sure that they were used to store non-toxic stuff just in case there was any residue. I think that the ones we bought were used for vegetable oil.
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Member:
erika
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 7, 2009 - 7:40 pm:
So Cleo and I are progressing nicely with the jumping practice. I have found lots of trees down (guess the State Park cut-backs keep the rangers and their chainsaws away!), and I have been raising the jumps in my ring gradually.
Been trying to keep the schooling at home to a minimum and use the jumping almost as a signal that we're almost done working. It seems to be working because she eagerly looks forward to each jump, and one time after jumping one, I had planned on riding around the second one but she locked onto it and jumped it without any steering from me.
I try to keep the psychological games going because being a slightly stubborn little mare, it really is better if she thinks things are her own idea, teehee!
Funny, tonight we ended with a crossrail that I have been raising gradually. It is not very big at the center, but the sides are pretty high and for our last jump Cleo took it really BIG! Like she was jumping a four-footer instead of a 2 1/2 footer! In fact the other two horses who were grazing nearby scooted out and turned around as if in amazement, Haha! So at least I know she is capable of getting off the ground! Felt great though, as if she were jumping for joy--no rush or spook about it, just a big jump!
Thanks again for all your tips, gang. We'll make a field-hunter out of Cleo yet.
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Member:
jjrichar
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 8, 2009 - 9:27 am:
It is always a wonderful thing to ride a horse that enjoys their 'job'. Sounds like Cleo is enjoying herself! (and you too!) 
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Member:
erika
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Posted on Monday, Jun 8, 2009 - 4:06 pm:
So the jumping continues to improve. We did a loooong hunter pace yesterday and Cleo jumped everything in good humor. Some of the timbers were quite large for her 3 ft or so. She jumped them really big!
We would have had a great day just riding, but my sister and I, and our teenaged teammate won both our division and Grand Champion! (Gotta brag a little).
I'll post a pic as soon as I can figure out how to. My new iMac doesn't show anything in the "upload" window! Any other Mac users have that trouble? Can you throw me a bone here on how to get it loaded?
Erika
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Monday, Jun 8, 2009 - 7:26 pm:
Congrats, Erika & team! 
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Member:
scooter
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Posted on Tuesday, Jun 9, 2009 - 7:58 am:
Great Erika! I would brag too! congrats.
When I go to upload a pic, it has been doing strange things also. I don't have an imac.
Wonder if Dr.O. changed something...I though it was just me.
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Wednesday, Jun 10, 2009 - 7:31 am:
Yeah, Erika! Having a great ride is wonderful all by itself; winning an award for a great ride is just the icing on the cake! Congrats! Look forward to seeing those pictures.
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Wednesday, Jun 10, 2009 - 11:28 am:
Hey Erica, good job! We need one of those little icons that jump up and down and cheer! I'm always impressed with people like you and Stacey that raise and train your own horses then go out and do a good job competing. I'm also looking forward to pictures!
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Member:
erika
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Posted on Wednesday, Jun 10, 2009 - 7:17 pm:
Thanks, gang!! Ha ha! You guys are my "ears"-- you know, if a tree falls in the forest...? Thanks for hearing it!
I'll try again to upload an attachment picture.
Yay! Finally! This was at the end where the photographer had set up a little crossrail for his own use. The jumps on the trail were solid and natural, and would have made nicer shots, but it's a picture, anyway!!
Erika
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Member:
ekaufman
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Posted on Wednesday, Jun 10, 2009 - 11:26 pm:
Yay! Good for you both. I love her relaxed confident expression-- that's a sure sign that you're doing a great job with her. Great update-- more photos please!
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Thursday, Jun 11, 2009 - 7:33 am:
Cleo's lovely, Erika. You both look like you're having a lot of fun.
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Member:
jowidner
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Posted on Friday, Jun 12, 2009 - 12:17 am:
Happy horse. Happy rider. So much fun to see. Great work and congratulations Erika,Cleo, and team!
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Member:
leslie1
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Posted on Friday, Jun 12, 2009 - 8:12 pm:
Erika, Very nice Is this your hunt horse?
Looks like fun
L
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Member:
erika
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Posted on Saturday, Jun 13, 2009 - 9:38 am:
Thanks again, everyone, for your encouragement and congratulations.
Yes, Leslie, this is my hope-to-be-field-hunter. I hunted her mom before but I'm afraid she didn't have the temperament for it--way too excitable! Cleo is much calmer and doesn't mind following another horse. That's what started this thread, I wanted to get her safely jumping what we may come across in the field before I started her hunting.
Now to figure out how to contain all that mane hair! Her Friesian half is showing, and I like it, but it tangles in the reins and hands too easily. We'll probably have to braid each time!
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Saturday, Jun 13, 2009 - 10:09 am:
Erika, any rules in the hunt field about HOW you contain all that hair? If not, how about just banding it, like they do in some of the Western disciplines? Much easier than braiding, I think.
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Saturday, Jun 13, 2009 - 10:42 am:
When riding in open hunter classes we just do one long French braid down the neck of the horse, then tuck the "tail" under with bands. It's easier than doing all those little braids when your horse has a long mane. I've noticed in the open jumping classes most of the horses don't have anything done to their manes. My friend says it's because they want some mane to grab if they need too!
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Member:
leslie1
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Posted on Saturday, Jun 13, 2009 - 11:48 am:
Fran
Most hunt clubs like a nicely turn out gang (hunter braids and tail braided too) But I never seen it required. The club nearest to me in KY has more people that braid than not. The club in Flagstaff, Az seemed to hardly have any braided.
I think a nice french braid on is so beautiful and probably 'accetable' to most clubs. Especially on a baroque breed.
For those that are interested the Hunt attire has evolved from safety needs in the field. And now has become a tradition..Coats for brambles and thorns and rain. stock tie as a bandage for horse or rider. Manes braided so as to not get tangle in hands or tree branches. Im not sure why the tails are braided? Erika, Imogen do you know?
Cheers
L
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Member:
erika
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Posted on Saturday, Jun 13, 2009 - 6:27 pm:
More pics from the pace. If you click on "next" above the photo it is like a slo-mo camera of Cleo in action. Kinda fun!
The rider just before us is my sister on a borrowed horse, and just after us is our teenaged partner on her Quarterhorse mare.
https://mkphotography.org/SVH%20June%2009/_mkp7286.htm
As for braiding--we only have to braid on opening day, but certainly no one would frown upon it. Turnout is important, and as you can see, there is a LOT of mane to deal with. Unfortunately, since I have two sons, no daughters, I never learned to French braid. Guess its time to learn!
Erika
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Member:
lilo
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Posted on Saturday, Jun 13, 2009 - 7:03 pm:
Erika - thanks for sharing. Very cool shots. I especially like that big smile you have!
Lilo
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Saturday, Jun 13, 2009 - 7:35 pm:
Erika,
Looking good, and obviously having lots of fun too!
Don't think you need a daughter to learn how to French Braid hair; Kayl never liked me doing her hair, I think I have better luck practicing on the horses!
It might have something to do with the fact that I need to practically use my fingers, mouth, AND toes to control all the hair. 
(I can't knit or crochet either, so if you're not all thumbs doing those, you might be able to do it)
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Member:
leslie1
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Posted on Saturday, Jun 13, 2009 - 8:02 pm:
Now that is a happy, having fun smile!!
Cleo is such a beauty! I love her flowing locks!
The mare will probably be more patient getting her hair french braided than any daughter! hehehe
Thanks for the pics
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Sunday, Jun 14, 2009 - 7:08 pm:
Hi Erika,
I have two sons so I learned to french braid on our shetland pony. I put ribbon in it for the 4th of July parade in our community. He looked so cute but that was a long time ago. My boys are now 25 and 27.
Cynthia
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Member:
erika
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Posted on Monday, Oct 5, 2009 - 9:29 am:
Update on the jumping!! After a very busy weekend of hunting and pacing, I am SO pleased with my little Cleo! She has been hunting since early August (cubbing) and has a few hunter paces under her belt (girth?) this season.
She is hunting calmly and sanely--whew! And jumping everything but the largest coops. She would probably by fine with them, but I'm not immortal anymore, and don't want to rush things.
We had won not only our division in the last hunter pace, but overall Grand Champions, and much to our thrill, we did it again yesterday! So that is twice in a row at this particular hunter pace and some nice rosettes to show for it. I am really proud of my little home-bred! Hope you don't mind the brag, but I got so much good advice from all of you to get to this point with her , so a big "thank you" is in order once again!
Erika
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Member:
lilo
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Posted on Monday, Oct 5, 2009 - 9:51 am:
Wow - congratulations! Sounds like such fun! Lilo
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Monday, Oct 5, 2009 - 9:59 am:
You earned bragging rights girl! Sounds like it was a heady rush of fun!
Is she "home trained" also?
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Monday, Oct 5, 2009 - 10:27 am:
Congratulations, Erika! You have every right to be proud!
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Member:
sdms
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Posted on Monday, Oct 5, 2009 - 11:39 am:
Of course we don't mind the brag! Being a site focused mainly around horse health we hear plenty of bad stuff. It's wonderful to hear the good!!
Congratulations and keep us informed as you both continue to improve.
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Member:
marieanh
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Posted on Monday, Oct 5, 2009 - 1:23 pm:
Congrats-and i got a chance to look at the hunt pace video you posted-I am very jealous, looks beautiful.
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Member:
leslie1
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Posted on Monday, Oct 5, 2009 - 2:10 pm:
Completely ditto what SaraM said!! It is good to hear the good
And congratz...well done cleo and erika
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Member:
jowidner
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Posted on Tuesday, Oct 6, 2009 - 12:34 am:
Yea! Good for you and Cleo!
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Member:
paardex
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Posted on Tuesday, Oct 6, 2009 - 12:10 pm:
Congratulations! Erika though you have a weird mix for the job[remember my memories of what Friesians usually do in Holland ] she seems to be perfect! After seeing the pics ofher mum I can understand her breeding better though and both mummy and daddy have obviously given it their best!
Jos
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Member:
erika
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Posted on Tuesday, Oct 6, 2009 - 1:07 pm:
Yes, Jos, her mother could jump the moon when she was young. But remember, American Saddlebreds were not always peacocks, they were the original US Cavalry mounts. Bred to jump and charge and whatever war necessitated!
But she did get more looks from her pop!
Thanks for the compliments.
Erika
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