John Whitaker’s perfect gridwork

Gridwork is the ultimate way to teach your horse to think on his feet, build athleticism and improve his balance. Anyone can put up a row of fences and ride their horse through it, but to reap all the rewards of gridwork you need a bit of forward planning. Part of this is setting up an exercise that suits your horse – I find a simple line of three suitably-spaced fences is a good place to start.

Getting the most out of a gridwork session means putting the work in on the flat, setting the fences up properly and being prepared to have any bad habits of your own exposed. When it comes to gridwork you get out what you put in, so if you’re ready to graft then you’re set to have a positive session.

Flat first, jump second

Before starting on your grid, it’s important to establish a quality canter and control on the flat. Most of us compete with the hope of winning, whether at Riding Club level or Grand Prix, but for ultimate success, horse and rider need to be totally in tune with one another. That’s why many of the best riders look as if they’re doing nothing at all – they’ve only got to think and their horse will react.

Preparing for take-off

Having a reactive horse who’s concentrating on what you ask of him is something you can build on all the time, at any level. Test and improve his reactions by lengthening and shortening his canter…

• to shortenEngage your core and sit taller, closing your fingers but maintaining the supporting leg
• to lengthenLighten your seat and soften your hand. Try not to rely on pushing with your leg too much – you want to support him without adding speed to the equation

Don’t always lengthen and shorten your horse’s canter in the same place, because he’ll start to anticipate it. Mix up where you ask and keep him guessing – that way his responses will be genuine. With enough practice, you’ll have the control you need for an adjustable horse who’s ready to listen as you move on to jumping.

Take a look at John Whitaker’s grid exercise in October Horse&Rider, on sale 20 August 2020.