I recently got a new horse, a big 3.5-year-old with all the qualities I look for in a future sport horse.
Do I think he will be great? Yes.
But not because of what he can jump today.
Because of what he can become with time, patience, and correct development.
One thing I see too often is people focusing on jumping too early. They are so excited to see the horse over fences that they forget the most important part of producing a young horse—the foundation.
For me, the first steps are not about jumping. They are about understanding.
A young horse must first learn to relax, trust, and understand the aids. The brakes, the gas pedal, the left turn, and the right turn must all work before we even think about bigger things.
There are many systems, and I have tried quite a few over the years. The German young horse program is the one I like best. But no matter what system you follow, feeling the horse is what matters most.
Look at the eyes.
You can often tell if a horse is scared, nervous, confused, or simply has a strong mind. Each type needs a different approach.
That is why I never push a horse when he does not understand. I never rush the process.
I spend time on groundwork, lunging, transitions, and teaching the horse to go forward from the leg. I focus on balance, rhythm, and relaxation.
I do not canter or jump until these basics are working.
When I feel even a small improvement, I stop. Young horses need time to think. Sometimes I ride for two or three days and then give them a couple of days off. Learning happens during rest as well.
With my new horse, there is no hurry. He is a big horse and he needs time to grow into himself, both physically and mentally.
My goal is not to have the best 3-year-old.
My goal is to have the best 10-year-old.
This series will follow his journey and show how I build a young horse step by step, starting with the foundation that many people overlook.
Because great jumpers are not created by jumping.
They are created by correct development from the very first day.