<P> Free jumping is used for a variety of purposes, including starting a horse over jumps, reschooling a horse that has developed problems over jumps, evaluating a young horse's potential, or exhibiting a veteran jumper for sale . This method allows evaluation of a horse's ability without any influence from the rider, good or bad . A trained eye can determine if the horse has natural jumping ability, a good mind, confidence, and athleticism . </P> <P> Free jumping is primarily used to start horses over jumps . The goal from this training method is to develop an honest jumper that has confidence over fences and to strengthen muscles used for jumping . Starting without a rider is viewed as beneficial because a rider can interfere with the horse's natural way of going and create unnecessary problems . A poor rider will create nervousness or bad habits in the horse that will be difficult to reverse . Allowing a horse to jump on its own also develops better balance and strengthens the necessary muscles which will make it easier on their joints and back when it comes time to jump with the added weight of a rider . By starting a horse over jumps without a rider it makes the horse better prepared and easier to ride over fences . </P> <P> Free jumping is also beneficial for horses that have been ridden over jumps . It is helpful to horses that have developed nervousness over jumps, tendencies to bolt over jumps, and problems with refusals . By starting the horse off small and gradually increasing size, a trainer can develop confidence in the horse . By subtracting the rider, the horse learns to jump on its own without interference . Over time, the method encourages the horse to relax and take its time through jumps, showing a more natural jump on its own . Free jumping reinforces forward movement over jumps and starting lower builds confidence . This can also be used to encourage a more playful attitude in horses, taking away the demands of the rider and making the simple act of just jumping more fun . Free jumping is also a good practice for exercising the horse, even one that is not used for jumping . It can produce a good mind while strengthening muscles and stretching the back and neck . It also provides variation in a horse's routine, which can be a break from a rigorous jumping schedule . </P> <P> Free jumping is often used to determine a young horse's jumping potential before it can be ridden over jumps or to see the natural jump without a rider . In both cases a good free jump will increase the value of a horse . Jumping horses is a popular event in competitive and recreational riding, and in many case an owner will put a horse up for sale with a video of free jumping . This shows the horse's movement, temperament and jumping potential, whether or not the horse was used for jumping . </P>

How high can a horse jump without a rider