14/06/2026
BEFORE THE HORSE JUMPS, LOOK AT THE LEGS
[performance starts from the ground up]
When choosing a future show jumping horse, many people focus on scope, technique, or natural athleticism. But Bruce, long term performance often depends on something far less glamorous. The structure underneath the horse.
Following on from his discussions around hoof quality and frog health, Bruce explains why he carefully assesses the pastern, cannon bone, and knee during the selection process. These areas play a major role in how a horse absorbs force, stays balanced, and copes physically with repeated jumping efforts over time.
The pastern acts as part of the horse’s natural shock absorption system. Its angle and length influence how concussion travels through the limb during landing. Pasterns that are too upright may reduce flexibility and increase concussion, while pasterns that are too soft or long can place excess strain on tendons and ligaments under repeated workload.
Bruce also studies the cannon bone closely. Straightness, alignment, bone quality, and proportional balance all contribute to durability and efficiency. In show jumping, repeated loading during take off and landing places significant stress on the lower limb, meaning structural weaknesses often become magnified over time.
Then comes the knee. Clean, stable alignment through the knee is critical for balance, shock distribution, and long term soundness. Bruce explains that even subtle conformational issues can influence how a horse handles impact, tight turns, and technical jumping lines throughout a career.
A talented horse may jump well today. But experienced professionals are often looking at whether the structure underneath that talent can still support it years later.
What do you look at first when assessing a future jumping horse?
