Shopping for the Showjumper

By: Don and Karen Sullivan - from the November issue of Local Horse Magazine/Go Jump Online Magazine

The selection of horses for showjumping is a fascinating topic and pastime – in my business I often have the privilege of assisting clients in this regard.  

I think it’s important to remember there are really no hard and fast rules when it comes to selecting horses for any discipline; there will always be exceptions.  No one is always right – not every horse I choose will go on to fulfil all its owner’s expectations. However years of study and experience means I am clear in my own mind what I am looking for in a jumping horse and what sort of horse will suit each rider.  Therefore I believe I am less likely to make mistakes when assessing a horse’s suitability.

For me the most important characteristic of a horse is his attitude.  This means his ability to be trained and to learn, his responsiveness to the rider and having a pleasant temperament.  A horse must be accepting of his training and be able to retain what he has learnt.   On the first ride (probably 15 minutes or so of flatwork and a little jumping) challenge the horse’s rideability with changes of pace and direction – note how he reacts.  Is he accepting of the aids, does he put his ears back with sourness or does he go willingly forward?  Does he come back softly and calmly through downward transitions or does he fight the aids?  Admittedly much can be improved through correct training but the horse’s basic temperament will remain the same.  Jump the horse over a few fences that are well within its ability and level of training; on a first ride the rider should merely be trying to develop a relationship with the horse.  Do not try to do too much on a first ride.  All you want is a clear indication of the horse’s temperament and level of training – you don’t need to test everything, just gain enough of an impression to allow you to decide if you would like a second ride.

Along with assessing the horse’s attitude you must also assess his appearance - his conformation and movement. Try to gain a general overall impression.  Note the look in his eyes, his attitude to his handlers, blemishes, spur marks and so on. I like the eyes to have a soft, friendly look, not small or squinty. Then inspect the feet – good feet are of vital importance for any performance horse. The size of the feet must be proportional to the size of the horse’s body – feet which appear too small for the body are a particular concern.  Note if there is anything unusual about the shoeing - pads, wider than normal shoes etc. Does the horse stand straight or toe in or out which could lead to future unsoundness. Although the actual soundness of the horse is a matter for the veterinary prepurchase inspection (which is definitely recommended) carefully examine the horse’s legs for any unusual lumps, bumps or swellings.

Many books have been written on conformation and I would recommend you read as widely as possible on this subject.  When I look at a horse as a jumping prospect I tend to look at its proportions rather than being picky about any one part of the horse (of course it is still important to identify any major defects).  I like the horse to have powerful hindquarters, but not too heavy in the neck and shoulder.  

The movement of the horse is very important.  The walk should be loose, the steps long with the hind leg stepping well under the body.  The trot should be free and the steps swinging and of course soundness is vital.  The canter is the most important pace for a jumping horse and it should be relaxed, balanced and elastic.

If, after reflecting on your impressions gained at the first inspection, you decide the horse is a suitable prospect then add some further tests on the second inspection.  Begin as on the first day with 15 minutes or so of flatwork then go on to jumping.  The jumps attempted must be fairly easy for the horse’s level of training – you don’t want to see how high he can jump just give him an opportunity to show his best.  What do I look for in a jumping horse?  Basically that he gets from one side to the other and leaves the rails up.  Then I start to analyse a little more.  I like a horse to be powerful off the ground – he should leave the ground like an explosion.  The withers should come up towards the rider, and the horse’s body should make a round shape with a good trajectory over the jump.  The horse should look athletic and not stiff throughout the body in the air.  If the horse is fairly green I’m not too concerned how neat he is with his legs but it’s preferable that both front legs are fairly even (one up and one down can be a dangerous fault) and I’m not impressed by low jumping horses with a perfect technique.  Green horses learn in time to be neat with their legs, the important thing is the desire to jump cleanly.  I like the horse to be light, forward and balanced when he lands so he can easily re-establish a rhythmic canter.

Shopping for horses is always an exciting adventure.  Remember to stay objective and that there is nothing more rewarding than developing a horse you have selected to its full potential. 

About the Authors:

Don and Karen Sullivan own River Downs Equestrian Centre, They train and compete their home bred warmblood horses in showjumping and dressage. They also start and train outside horses for clients as well as coaching and conducting clinincs http://www.riverdownsequestrian.com

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