Create an agile horse using three jumps

In the last part of my series, I have a jumping exercise to challenge any combination’s agility over fences. Your horse will need to be balanced and strong, and you’ll have to be focused, accurate and trusting in your own judgement. Build it up slowly from start to finish and your horse will quickly grow in confidence while you’ll feel ready for anything.

Set it up

For this exercise, you’ll need…

• 6 jump wings
• 6–8 poles

Start by placing three poles on a curved line. Walk one canter stride between each (6.4–7.5m) from centre to centre. It’s easiest to place the middle pole horizontally first, then angle the other two either side to form the curve. Place the jump wings by the poles for later and store the remaining poles to the side so they’re to hand.

Step 1: Warm up

Warm up with poles on the ground…

• Weave in and out to work on rhythm and suppleness and walk or trot around the poles like a slalom to encourage bend and relaxation. The curve will naturally regulate your horse’s speed and encourage him to step through
• Approach them individually and introduce the poles one at a time. Ride over the middle pole straight on, check your rhythm stays the same and that your horse isn’t speeding up or becoming unbalanced. Then come around over each pole individually on both reins
• Ride over all three on the curved line you’ll take when they’re fences. Look ahead and aim for the centre of each pole. Ride the exercise on both reins and note if your horse is easier to turn one way than the other. He’ll need to be straight through his body to do the exercise successfully

Step 2: Simple start

If your horse is working happily through the poles, it’s time to build some fences. This exercise is tricky, so don’t overface him. You can start by introducing the jumping effort with the middle pole raised to a low upright and approach it on its own without any other poles.

Some horses tend to get quite long and strung out when approaching a single fence, so try riding a large circle rather than cantering all the way down the arena in a straight line. Pop it a few times in each direction, aiming to keep the rhythm the same while always maintaining a soft contact with your horse’s mouth.

Find out more about Saskia’s exercise for creating an agile horse in May Horse&Rider – pick up your copy today!