Most of the time when horses are jumping, they are jumping from either a gallop or a trot. While this is a great and easy way for the animal to make it over horse jump gates, it is not the most beneficial when it comes to maximizing exercise.
When a horse is forced to jump from a walk, there is no predetermined amount of speed going into the jump. By jumping from a walk, there is more strength demanded from their hindquarters. There is also the fact that the horse is taught to think before jumping and to be careful while doing so. This gives a much-needed sense of confidence to not only the horse but to the rider as well.
Studies have also shown that jumping from a walk over horse jump gates can help to relax a horse which is too excitable. A horse that cannot calm itself can actually be very dangerous to ride. By helping the horse to relax, the horse becomes safer to be around and becomes more of a joy to ride around.
Let your horse practice a few times before attempting to jump over horse jump gates while in a walk. If you force them to go all-out the first time around, you run the risk of injuring the horse and making them fearful to try the jump again. It is much better to ease into it so that there is a greater chance of a successful outcome.
As you can see, there are great reasons to try the jump from a walk with a horse. Why not let your horse exercise in the best way possible by letting them try jumping from a walk instead of the traditional way. They will thank you for it.