Training the Jumpers For our National Hunt horses, being able to run is only part of the game. The rest is jumping ability. We have excellent facilities for training National Hunt horses, and they learn their trade in our sand pit. Schooling without rider: Stage 1 This filly is having her first school in the sand pit. First she runs round the pit to take it in. Stage 2 A small obstacle is introduced and she learns to jump with confidence. Stage 3 Once she's comfortable with the small barrels, she is taught to jump a length. The obstacles are placed side by side and secured with a pole, and the filly learns to measure the jump. Stage 4 Next she must learn to jump a height if she's going to make it in national hunt racing. The barrels are stood end up and she is allowed to run round the pit taking the jump once on every circuit. As you can see she's clearing them with ease and she looks the sort to make a lovely jumper. Here's Gastornis having a jumping lesson.  And now with a rider: Stage 1 A store horse gets chance to familiarise himself with the schooling pit. Stage 2 Next he's jumping a single row of barrels. Stage 3 He now clears a length without any bother. Stage 4 Tackling the bigger obstacles holds no fear for this horse...... .....and he lands perfectly. Here's Preston Brook with rider.

A Nasstar production © 1997-2011 Nasstar Ltd. Please note all images used on this site are the property of Nasstar Ltd unless otherwise stated and must not be used without the owners permission. This copyright will be strictly upheld.