AboutDorothy Morris-Robinson Expertise I have been training and rehabilitating horses, and training riders for combined training for over 40 years, in Virginia and California. This includes dressage, cross country obstacles and show jumping. Years ago I earned my colors with the Blue Ridge Hunt Club in VA. I currently train and teach at my ranch in Kennewick, WA. I can answer certain questions about starting young horses in English riding: dressage, jumping, cross country obstacles and basic equitation. I can help with rehabilitation of spoiled or difficult horses; however, many problems require sustained riding instruction/training and I cannot do this online. Some issues need to be observed to come to a correct diagnosis. If your problem is of this type, please find a qualified instructor/trainer. I cannot give riding lessons via email.
Experience Experience in the area: Over 40 years of English riding experience, including Fox Hunting in Virginia, training young horses for hunting and/or eventing. Coached Desiree Smith from her beginning at Training Level Combined tests through her competition at two Junior International competition Three Day Events. She rode my horse that I also started and trained her to ride. This combination competed in the World Championship Three Day in Lexington, KY in 1978. I trained another horse (TB) through 3rd Level Dressage and jumping. He eventually competed at Advanced level Three Day. I recently re-trained a mare that came to me as "unhandleable" after having had 5 owners in less than 18 months. She is now one of the sweetest tempered mares I have ever owned and given us a handsome, Premium colt by Ideal. I have reschooled several horses with difficulties ranging from running away to running backward, to not allowing a bridle to be put on, to kicking out at the farrier, being "too much on the muscle over jumps", etc
Organizations National Society Daughters of the Revolution (DAR): USDF
Publications Four novels (I am also a novelist)
Education/Credentials Some college
Awards and Honors Who's Who of American Women, Who'w Who in America, Past Board of Directors FDIC-NACM
Question Hello,
I was wondering what you think that a horse needs to know before learning to jump. As in be proficient in all gaits and being ridden.
What kind of exercises to use, eg ploes, cavalletti, which samll jumps to start with etc.
My horse is a 5 year old TB just broken in a couple of weeks ago. I am not planning to teach him to jump yet but I would like to know in advance.
Any other hints would be great.
Thanks
Answer Hello Cassie,
Your horse needs to be well in hand at the canter on both leads. He needs to make transitions from the walk, canter, trot on request. He needs to be calm on a snaffle bit.
The equipment and training program he and you will need for jumping is much to involved for me to tell you here. I can only advise that you look for a very, very good trainer in your area. Ask around. Go to shows. See the winners and ask to talk with their trainers. That is the best advice I can give you, except for this: beware trainers who don't know what they are doing and who will ruin you and your horse. I can't emphasize this too much. There are many charlatans out there. You don't want the blind leading the blind. TBs are spirited and 5 year olds even moreso.
