On the right lines: showjumping

A misjudged line can be the difference between a clear round and a knocked pole in the showjumping arena. The good news is, working at home to hone your skills between fences will boost your and your horse’s performances and pave the way to success over fences. Let’s get started!

Doubles

Doubles are something that crop up in every showjumping course. Making sure you have an accurate approach to the first element is what determines the success of the combination, because making the distance between the two fences requires you to jump square and straight. Practising at home is a great way to improve your straightness as a whole and ensure you ace doubles every time.

Alicia’s actions

To train for doubles, you need two fences set one (6.4–7.7m) or two (10–11m) strides apart. Then add some extra poles on the ground – create a channel between the fences using two poles set just over a horse’s width apart. You can also include another pair of poles as tramlines before the first fence and also directly after the second, which is especially helpful if your horse is inexperienced.

As you work ride this exercise, think about…

• approaching with a forward, rhythmical canter
• keeping your eyes on the first fence as you make the turn onto the line, then looking up and beyond once you’re straight
• channelling your horse with light pressure from your calves, keeping him moving forward and straight
• maintaining an even feel down the reins

The poles are there to guide you. If you find your horse is drifting, adjust your aids – using your seat and leg, rather than your reins – to help correct him.

Then start to widen the poles to test whether you can ride the double with the same level of accuracy when you don’t have as much support from them.

Level up

To make the exercise harder, incorporate a related distance by adding more strides between the fences – the longer the line, the trickier it is to keep straight.

Top tip

Try to make a habit of walking the course at a competition exactly as you intend to ride it. Take the time to analyse and choose your lines, as well as pacing out the distances.

Discover more exercises for riding perfect lines every time in July Horse&Rider – pick up a copy of July Horse&Rider Magazine today!