Show jumping

Beginning with and working through a training program that develops show jumping through horse athletic ability and rider ability is the quintessential goal of all competitive riders.  Believe it or not such a program does exist and it is a well established, essential component of the top levels of equestrian jumping training around the world.

Show jumping training for excellence needs to start away from the jumps. In fact it actually begins with groundwork, developing balance, flexibility, suppleness as well as the ability for the rider to correctly, effectively and clearly communicate with the horse through a variety of aids.

Known as horse gymnastics, this structured, sequential training allows the horse and rider to develop the skills they need to be more competitive, more effective and definitely more in synch as they advance through different levels of competition.  The training learned in Horse Gymnastics will be the foundation required for show jumping.

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The core element of show jumping and horse exercises using a gymnastics training program begins with mentally and physically engaging the horse and rider.

Stride, leg and body position, rider aids and weight balance as well as proper movement into, over and after a jump are the key elements. Working with ground poles and Cavaletti poles rather than jumps provides the basic training in all horse exercises.

Working through patterns on the flat is used to develop balance, control and suppleness. This type of training also helps with building confidence in the horse and rider that will be transferred to their next equestrian jumping competition and will lead to a great show jumping horse.

Show jumping training without using horse gymnastics exercises can increase your horse’s ability; but only so far.

Show Jumping Training Video Course

Horses, like people, need to learn how to properly move to maximize their natural ability and talent. By working through horse exercises that micro focus on the rider’s aids and the horse’s movements it is possible to correct small issues that can be significantly impacting your performance at competitive levels.  Once those issues are corrected your horse is less rigid, more relaxed, better conditioned and more confident, translating to better performance in the show jumping ring.

==>Click Here to Download Our Horse Gymnastics Video Course <==

This course will get your horse ready for show jumping with only a few short lessons.  Follow the easy step-by-step videos and you will be riding and jumping like a pro in no time.

The good news is that with specific types of exercises your horse will learn to trust and respect you as the rider. Start with basic types of horse gymnastics exercises that allow you to control the horse’s strides and movement. This is done with selectively placed low level ground rails and trot poles as the first step in establishing that you are the leader and you won’t put the horse in a potentially dangerous position. As the horse begins to follow your aids and learns you are a rider to be trusted the larger issues in the arena will also come under control, before you ever even take a jump.

Typically a refusal is because the horse lacks confidence either in their own ability or in the rider’s. Horse gymnastics, getting back to the basics, is a good way to increase a horse’s confidence in his or her own ability as well create a greater trust between horse and rider. Since the program develops gradually the horse overcomes many fears and bad habits and becomes much more confident of his or her footing, balance and movement, ideally creating a lack of stress going over more challenging jumps and obstacles.  Horse gymnastics is also a great way to rehabilitate a horse that has been injured on the course or in training, allowing muscles to gain flexibility and strength without the stress of jumping.

One of the biggest mistakes that rider’s make is to move the hands up on the neck into the crest release position too far in advance of the jump. When the horse feels the hands move forward it should be a clue to collect for the jump. Moving the hands too soon sends a premature signal that will cause the horse to start their jump too far from the obstacle. The other mistake is to use the horse’s neck to balance the rider’s weight into the jump, putting additional downward pressure when the arch of the body is not yet fully completed. It is never desirable to flatten the horse out over the jump, you want that arch to allow lots of room for clearance.

The best way to see how you look in the saddle is to set up a video camera and ride the ring using your normal trotting seat. Evaluate your appearance from the tape and have a friend or instructor look at it as well. Most riders will find they have bad habits, just keep thinking about this as you work through your horse gymnastics and show jumping training, then tape another session and look for areas of improvement and what you need to continue to focus on. Every rider can always improve, and specific practice sessions can really make a difference.

The correct two point position has your weight supported by your knees primarily and secondly by your ankles.  The actual spot where you are gripping is not the front rounded part of the kneecap but rather the larger flat spot right on the side to the back of your knee. Practice without stirrups at a slow trot, gradually increasing the pace and duration of your practice.

Using gymnastic low ground poles in a series is helpful to the rider in understanding where the problem is occurring, particularly if the low jumps are set in a series. If the horse makes the first low jump correctly but then is too short or too long on the next in the series, it may be due to the rider falling backwards or too far forwards, throwing the horse’s stride off. It can also occur when the rider is using the reins as a stabilizer on the landing, creating a sharp pull up or back on the horse’s mouth.

Rider balance, especially when in show jumping, hunting, cross-country or dressage has a real impact on the horse. Not adjusting your weight to allow more impulsion or shifting your weight suddenly as the horse is preparing for a jump can cause hesitation, shortened stride or even a refusal. As the rider your job is to work with and for the horse in maintaining control, direction and coordination. Doing so requires balance, poise and being able to know just what your horse needs to get the job done.

Hay should be high quality horse hay which varies in composition depending on your specific location. Never feed hay that is musty or dusty, this can lead to very serious respiratory complications in horses both on pasture an in a stable. Hay needs to be stored in a dry location and covered to prevent dust and mold from becoming a problem. It is important to feed a high quality forage even if you are feeding cubed or pelleted feed for digestion and nutrition.

If you are working horse gymnastics patterns outdoors use only areas where there is no accumulation of ice and snow. Never jump the horse unless you can see the bare ground before, under and after the jump as well as on spots on the training course where the horse has to turn or adjust stride. In cold climates where the ground freezes remember the shock to the legs of the horse and only jump in soft, tilled soil or inside in an arena.