Tim Stockdale series – Chapter 3, Strides to fillers

Counting a stride

For the purpose of these demonstrations Tim’s striding is;

One human stride = 3ft (0.91m)

One horse stride = 12ft (3.65m) or four human strides

Stride Relation

This exercise builds on the ‘pole to cross-pole’ exercise in our February 2012 issue. Tim explains “Approaching in trot using the placing pole on the ground will get you to the jump in the right place and help your timing for adopting the jumping position.” He adds “you should land in canter.”

Seeing a stride without the aide of ground poles

When you and your horse are succesfully into a ryhthm, take all the poles away, including the first placing pole, and you see if you can do it without!  “You can now start cantering into the first fence too. Concentrate on keeping the rhythm to the first element, land and maintain a nice, smooth rhythm for four strides and over the second.”

Progressing to fillers

Here Tim demonstrates how to add fillers gradually to your training. “Start by adding both elements of the filler at the edge of the jump, then gradually draw them in. Start off with them at the very edge of the jump, leaving a clearly defined gap in the centre of the jump”. Once his confidence grows draw them in until he can fly over them with ease, if he panics draw them apart again so he can get used to them.