jumping a horse while riding western what do yall think about it?

Sounds like a bad idea.

To jump properly, you need to get into a two point position. I imagine doing that and making a mistake in a Western saddle would be painful, seeing as there is a horn there. Can you imagine a horn to the stomach/chest? OW!

If you or your horse is not somewhat experienced with jumping, I would skip. Get into lessons, getting an all purpose or close-contact saddle, then jump.

I jumped horses over obstacles a lot in a western saddle. Not arena jumping(except very low poles for training horses), but obstacles in trailing and working. There's no reason you can't, if you use proper form. A western saddle being heavier is a ridiculous reason when you figure in how much the rider weighs vs the few pounds difference in english saddle vs western. A rider's weight can vary MUCH more than that difference.

If you mean jumping significant jumps, then it's best to go ahead and get a used English style saddle to make it a bit easier for you to have proper form for arena styles. You can also jump bareback, but it can be more dangerous if you're not very good at riding, since you've got no "backup" to help you stay on. Do that only when you're confident at all other riding aspects first.

You can do small jumps in a western saddle but the bigger the jump you can't sit forward with your horse because the pommel is in the way and it will be difficult for your horse. The western saddle is very heavy too and not designed for anything but smaller jumps.

As for bareback. If you have a good seat and don't have a problem falling in the dirt a couple of times go right ahead. I've jumped bareback and you have to have some strong legs and a very good seat.:)

You should certainly borrow an English saddle. While real ranch horses have to jump an occasional log or ditch, as far as arena jumping you really want an English saddle. Otherwise you'll be in the wrong position which will discourage your horse, and will get a saddle horn stuck in your belly too.

Also, until you really know what you're doing, a western shanked bit is a HUGE NO NO. If you don't release it just right, you're going to ruin your horse to jumping.

Do you know your 2 point position? You may want to get an English lesson or 2 before you think about jumping.

You can get starter packages on ebay for under $200 that have everything you need to get started. They aren't high quality, but they're good enough for you to get your feet wet.

well first off: is your horse trained to jump? If he isn't then the idea is completely out of the question. Also, it's a very very bad idea to jump in a western saddle, they way they are designed and how they sit on a horse's back is not meant for jumping. Western saddles are heavier, and sit more on the horse's back making jumping a challenge. Horses CAN jump in a western saddle, but it's not a good idea. It can cause a lot of back pain for them. Jumping bareback is fine though! I do it all the time and really enjoy it...but if you've never jumped before it might not be a good idea. You need really strong leg muscles and good balance. Falling while jumping isn't fun.

I would say just wait to jump. Borrow an English saddle from someone or go to a local stable and learn to jump there. Best of luck to you!

I've jumped a few times in a western saddle. But its not good for your horses back, since the western saddle is heavier it can cause back pain. You cant really get into a good 2-point position comfortably with the horn in the way as well. Ive jumped bareback once on accident, which was a long story. But I don't see anything wrong with it as long as you can stay put on your horse and its not hurting you or your horse.

If you are only trotting in to a low fence--under 2' you are fine. Even in western trail classes horses may have to "hop" a small pole. This should normally be done from the trot, but a slow canter would be fine. Google a "standing position" that you should be in when jumping low fences in western tack. You will need to learn a "two point" position if you intend to start jumping higher, in addition, you will need an English saddle to jump higher as well. Horses need to round their back in order to jump, western saddles with restrict that over fences higher than 2'. If you are only trotting into small jumps to start with, you horse should naturally figure that out on his own. If you intend to start jumping higher, then see out a professional instructor as jumping can become dangerous as fence heights become more demanding.

You can get a saddle horn in your chest or stomach if you jump like that. If you want to jump you honestly should take some lessons. Starting out jumping bareback can develop some bad habits that are hard to break later.

Depends on how high you are planning to jump? If it's just 50cm logs and stuff thats fine but Western saddles are a lot heavier than jumping saddles. they are very bulky as well. If your horse does not mind than im sure it's fine