Free jumping a horse is a great way to not only assess their ability, but also to allow him to work on technique or footwork without the effort of balancing a rider at the same time.
Despite Smitty being jumper-bred on his dam side, I had yet to see him over anything of size. Below 2’6″, he really doesn’t have to put much effort into clearing the fence, and 18″ fences? Well:
Smitty not trying over the baby fence
So we set up a small grid to see what would happen. Our set up was thus: a ground pole to a cross rail, then 18′ to an ascending oxer.
Smitty was surprisingly relaxed through the whole thing, and it was clear that the final height of roughly 3’7″ (or 3’9″? we didn’t measure) was no big deal. To encourage him to fold his lower legs next time I would like to add a landing pole, and begin to increase the width of the oxer. But overall, I felt like it was an exciting way to see the baby’s potential!
Red on the Right 
He looks great!
Thanks!
Fun! His attitude while jumping, baby or big…I mean! too cute
I think he was enjoying himself!
Wow! I don’t know what’s more impressive, his beautiful movement or the fact that he seemed like he couldn’t care less about the whole thing. What a great guy!!
He was a good boy- I had no idea what to expect! XD
he is so freakin light on his feet – what an awesome baby!!!
I don’t think you’re going to have a problem with your goals. 😉 He’s barely trying! #noscopenohope
Haha, no- I will *never* get close to maxing out his efforts!
How big is he now! Looks like he’s a bean stalk! Love to see the young ones free jump 🙂
Trying to get weight on him has been such a challenge! He’s building muscle, but yes, definitely is rocking that string bean look at the moment!
I love how chill he is about the whole thing!
I thought I was going to have a wild man on my hands- but other than one buck, that was it!
Cute form
Gotta get those lower legs tight! 🙂
I’m obsessed with him! He is so gorgeous and what a good brain on that baby! Plus…soooo shiny!
He does stay rather shiny- which after Foster, a clean pony is a real relief 😉
Super cute! And so laid back. Not that anyone had doubts, but you found a good one for sure!
He has his moments 😉 but free jumping was a super fun day for us!
Hahaha he looked so bored over the small jumps 😁 He is such a nice horse!!!
Haha thanks Bette!
I have a feeling height isn’t going to be a problem for him, haha.
Gorgeous horse Britt. I know you are super excited to own such a nice horse.
He cracks me up with his nonchalant attitude about the whole thing! What a good baby!