The top event rider’s exercise hones jumping with contained power

Aim

Simple exercises are often the most effective. This one involves building two fences — a vertical and a parallel — on a four- or five- stride (20-24m) related distance, ideally down the centre line of the school. The horse is circled in between the two fences.

Many of the horse’s attributes will be tested, from his suppleness and balance to his ability to bend and maintain a rhythm.

The ultimate aim is to achieve greater engagement, impulsion, control, rhythm and smoothness. The horse learns about patience, cantering in different gears and how to jump with contained power rather than speed. For the rider the exercise is all about sitting still, communicating with clarity and thinking ahead.

Exercise

1. Approach the vertical in “first gear” — a controlled, collected canter. Ride as small a circle as possible — ideally 10-12m — in the same collected canter after the vertical. While riding the circle, the rider must maintain the horse’s balance through the hand. They also need to be active with their leg to get the horse’s hindleg underneath it. Focus too on looking ahead and controlling the horse’s shoulder.

2. On completion of the circle, allow the horse to move up to “third gear” and lengthen his stride. The rider’s hand should move forward and soften to “release the beast” as the horse opens up his frame over the parallel.

3. Reverse the process and jump the spread first — a different exercise requiring more control. Start with an open stride for the parallel. On landing, ride a circle in a collected, balanced canter, with the horse bent around the inside leg. Maintain this pace to the vertical, allowing the fence to come to the horse.

4. If you lack room, build the fences against a wall or the side of the school. This makes the exercise harder in that the rider has to be more proactive in ensuring that the horse lands on the correct lead.

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

#SundaySchool: the showjumping ‘gym’ with Holly Smith

The international showjumper talks us through this multi-fence workout which she uses with both her younger and more experienced horses

#SundaySchool: how to improve your horse’s medium trot

Follow grand prix dressage rider Anna Ross’ tips for improving the medium trot in our new regular Sunday evening training

*One Week Only* Save an extra 15% on top of discounted Horse & Hound subscriptions

Take advantage of our sale on Horse & Hound magazine subscriptions today

Tips and pitfalls

• The rider may not always be thinking ahead. It is important to remain proactive throughout to be able to show the horse what to do.
• The horse must be on the aids and listening to the rider or he will be tempted to rush the fences.
• On the circle, the rider needs to keep active with their leg because it is all too easy for the horse to fall into “tranter” (trot/canter). If the horse drops behind the leg, he may stop at the parallel as he comes off the circle.
• If starting the exercise with the parallel, don’t over-ride it or the horse will be unable to perform the circle.
• Resist performing the exercise too often. For a youngster, six times twice a week is probably ideal.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Take a look at this simple exercise, as explained by dressage rider Amy Stovold, to help improve any horse’s counter-canter

Aim

At least some counter-canter is found in most British Dressage tests from novice level upwards, and is used to demonstrate the horse’s balance, suppleness and straightness while still maintaining the natural quality of the canter.

Counter-canter helps to develop a horse’s canter rhythm, improve his balance and ability to carry the weight behind, and is a great exercise to use before starting flying changes. It is also really good for improving a horse’s suppleness.

Using the correct aids and maintaining a straight, central position in the saddle are very important in the counter- canter to ensure that the horse stays balanced.

I teach a horse counter-canter as soon as his canter is balanced and he is carrying the weight on the hindleg.

For this exercise, the horse should be established in canter and the walk-to-canter transition, and be able to stay balanced in counter-canter.

The exercise

1. Start in canter at M on the left rein and turn down the centre line at C.

2. Start heading towards the three-quarter line in the direction of B before making a shallow loop right. Start with fairly shallow loops so that the horse understands what you are asking of him. You can then build up the difficulty by making the loops steeper until you are riding a serpentine in counter-canter.

3 Counter-canter across the diagonal from B to K, then continue in true, left-rein canter. Your aids should always stay the same throughout counter-canter, so on the left rein, your right leg will be behind the girth and your left leg will be by it. Your outside leg will support and maintain the counter-canter. With a younger horse, you may need to support them a bit more with your outside leg and inside rein. There can be a slight neck bend over the leading leg, particularly with young horses, to help them balance. As the horse progresses, the neck should be as straight as possible. The hindquarters should remain straight so the horse is able to push through from behind efficiently. If there is too much swing in or out from the hindquarters, the horse won’t be able to sit and push as well as if it is straight.

4. You can then change the rein and perform the exercise on the right rein. It’s important to ensure that you perform the same exercises on both reins to keep the horse equal and straight through his body.

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

#SundaySchool: perfecting pirouettes with Rebecca Hughes

The international dressage rider and young horse producer explains how walk pirouettes can improve engagement for medium trot

#SundaySchool: how to improve your horse’s medium trot

Follow grand prix dressage rider Anna Ross’ tips for improving the medium trot in our new regular Sunday evening training

<a href="https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/horse-hound-subscription-offer-651358" rel="bookmark" name="Subscribe to Horse & Hound from just £9.99 per month”>Subscribe to Horse & Hound from just £9.99 per month

Take advantage of our sale on Horse & Hound magazine subscriptions today

Tips and pitfalls

• Breaking into trot, changing the canter lead and swinging the quarters in or out are all signs that the horse isn’t balanced, so consider a shallower loop or revisiting the exercise when the horse’s balance is more established.
• Always keep the loops shallow to begin with and build up the difficulty gradually as the horse progresses.
• The horse should remain up in the poll and straight through their body in the counter-canter.

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday.

The international showjumper uses a canter-on-a-circle exercise to help develop balance and control, which can be used in the ring

Aim

I do this canter exercise regularly, with horses of all ages and abilities. The older and more experienced the horse, the more difficult you can make it. With younger horses, it can be quite a demanding exercise as they might not have developed any brakes yet. For a green horse, I might start off with two poles, one at three o’clock and one at nine o’clock, then add in the third and fourth when they are ready.

It’s a good way of teaching the horse to be soft and carry himself, while being responsive to the control you are asking for.

This exercise also helps riders with their ring rhythm, which is important because they go from forwards to backwards strides frequently. It also teaches the rider to see a stride while not overjumping their horse.

Exercise

1. Lay out four poles, one at each quarter of a 20-30m circle. Don’t make the circle too small because you don’t want to make it too difficult for the horse. For young or inexperienced horses, start with one pole at a quarter of the circle and build up to four poles.

2. Next, canter six strides between each pole on the circle. Aim to make the strides between the poles exactly the same, in a consistent rhythm. You want the horse engaged, listening and remaining on the same line. It’s also important that you stay in the centre of each pole and don’t cut across, and that the horse is straight through his body.

3. Then start to change the strides between the poles, so do five between one set and six between the next, so that you are riding five, six, five, six. When asking for longer or shorter strides, you need to be smooth and gradual. For longer strides, use your leg and hand to keep the horse soft, then add a gradual leg aid and allow with the hand. To come back to a working stride, lean back and apply a little pressure with your legs, rather than forcing with the hand.

4. Then ride five strides between each pole, and then six between each pole around the entire circle.

Continued below…

Tips and pitfalls

• Always have a plan in your head of what you’re going to do before you do it.
• If your horse jumps to the left or right over the poles, it will affect the distance to the next pole, so be consistent in where you land after each pole. Having the horse straight means you can set yourself up nicely for the next pole.
• Horses can become disunited, so if this happens bring them back to trot and re-canter.
• Build the exercise up gradually so that your horse learns what you want.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Ahead of International Helmet Awareness Day (18-19 August), when riders can get discounts when purchasing a new riding hat from the retailers taking part, Riders4Helmets’ spoke to some of the top helmet manufacturers around the globe to share some of their key components when making helmets…

Gone are the days of simple hard plastic with a velveteen outer layer. Nowadays, helmets are held to a much higher standard of safety testing. They’re more aerodynamic and better padded, without adding extra weight, and they are stylish so riders will want to wear them. The safety of every ride is the main goal for each helmet manufacturer as they strive year after year to develop the safest helmet they can, while keeping it comfortable, attractive, and easy to wear.

The outer shell

Each component of the helmet is equally important, but it’s the outer shell that gets the most attention because it’s easily seen. The outer shell needs to be made of something that can prevent penetration from an object such as a sharp rock or a horse’s hoof. Manufacturers these days work to find the most stylish design that’s lightweight, yet functional.

Ovation helmets, the Troxel Spirit helmet, and Back On Track’s Trauma Void helmets all have an outer shell that is made out of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) thermoplastic. What is ABS thermoplastic? It is an engineering plastic that is easy to make and fabricate, and is a proven material for structural applications when impact resistance, strength and stiffness are required, such as a helmet.

The Gatehouse helmet is also constructed from a thermoplastic, with the additional of carbon fibre or aramid additional reinforcement.

The middle layer

The middle layer of the helmet is what should absorb the majority of the impact from a fall or accident. Liners can be made from expanded polystyrene — which is a very lightweight product made of expanded polystyrene beads — made of more than 95% air and only about 5% foam. Expanded polystyrene, like that found in Gatehouse and Troxel helmets, has strong shock absorbing properties and is compression resistant.

KEP Italia helmets feature a polycarbonate and carbon fibre combination. Polycarbonate is a pliable material commonly used in eyeglasses, greenhouses, digital discs and so on. The impact strength of polycarbonate rates towards the top for impact strength, but can be susceptible to scratching.

The inner layer

The inner layer of the helmet provides comfort for the wearer — if you had to wear something rigid day in and day out, you most likely wouldn’t be compelled to wear it, right? So helmet manufacturers may add a thin liner to the inside of the helmet for a softer feel, while also protecting the shock absorbing layer from the inside.

These inner layers can include a mesh comfort liner to help wick away the rider’s sweat, as well as some extra foam for the comfort and ability to make the fit a little more custom. One K’s Air helmet even includes inflatable air pockets in the liner, which allows for the riders to adjust the helmet for comfort and fit.

Retention straps

No helmet is effective if the retention, or chin, straps do not exist. The retention system, often referred to as straps and buckle, keep the helmet on the rider’s head during a fall when fitted and used correctly.

Most retention straps are made from a nylon webbing and plastic buckle. Some may include soft fabric covers that can cover the underside, being held together with Velcro. Some, like Gatehouse, might also be made of suede or leather.

Passing the test

Did you know that wearing a helmet could reduce the risk of riding-related head injury by an estimated 50%, as well as the risk of death due to head injury by a whopping 70-80%? To ensure a helmet can accomplish these tasks, it must pass a series of tests. There are several different tests based on where you are located around the world. For instance, in the United States the standard is the ASTM/SEI (American Society for Testing and Materials/Safety Equipment Institute), which includes three main tests: the impact test, the side distortion test, and the penetration test.

The impact test measures the helmet’s ability to absorb a blunt force impact should a rider fall on their head, say onto pavement while trail riding.

The side distortion test simulates what could happen if 1,200 pounds of horse happens to land on your head during a fall. It measures the ability of the helmet to resist distortion, should that scary accident happen to you.

The penetration test measures the resistance the helmet offers to a pointed object into the ventilation area. It uses an equestrian hazard anvil, designed to approximate the angle of a horseshoe or a jump standard edge, to ensure there is no penetration by a sharp object while wearing your helmet.

Other testing certifications include the PAS 015 (British standard), and the AS/NZS 3838 and ARB HS 2012 (Australian standards).

Time for a change?

It is recommended that all helmets be replaced after an impact, even if you don’t see much physical damage to the helmet with your naked eye. General wear and tear of a helmet not only shows its age perhaps on the outer layer, but the materials that soften the impact can degrade within three to five years.

“Longevity depends on how frequently the hat is used, the conditions of use and how the helmet is stored and even transported,” says Paul Varnsverry, technical and safety product advisor for Gatehouse Hats.

All manufacturers recommend equestrians check their helmets regularly for any obvious signs of wear to the lining and retention straps, any cracks in the structure of the middle layer and the outer layer, and finally the operation and security of the buckle.

“Irrespective of any signs of deterioration, it is recommended to replace the helmet after five years because the protective capacity diminishes over time due to the ageing of materials,” explains Silvia Fantoni with KEP Italia SRL.

Continues below…

Working together

There is no single most important material, or part of a helmet because the manufacturers and safety experts believe these materials must work together to protect the rider.

The equestrian helmet covers more of a person’s head than does a bicycle helmet, fitting lower on the head, particularly at the back of the skull, and has protection distributed evenly around the head, rather than concentrated in the front and top, which is why careful attention is taken by the world’s top brands.

For more information on the Riders4Helmets campaign and more information on rider safety, visit www.riders4helmets.com. To find out which retailers near you are taking part in International Helmet Awareness day, visit the website.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

The family of a young rider who took his own life are campaigning for an end to bullying.

Bradley John, 14, died on 14 September, having been being bullied at school.

His family is sharing Bradley’s story to raise awareness of the devastating impact bullying can have. They hope their campaign will help prevent anything like it from happening again.

The family is calling for people to be kind to each other and for anyone who is contemplating suicide to seek help and talk to someone about how they are feeling.

Bradley shared a love of horses and the outdoors with his family. He was whipper-in at the Three Counties Bloodhounds, of which his father, Byron John, and step-mother Kate Pickard are founder masters.

Friends and members of the hunting community have been remembering Bradley and showing their support for his family and the anti-bullying campaign through videos of them blowing a hunting horn, with the hashtag #blowforbradley.

The support for #blowforbradley has grown rapidly across the wider equestrian world and the general public, with hundreds pledging their support to the family’s campaign.

Family members were joined by hundreds of people at the David Broome Event Centre in Caldicot on Saturday (22 September) to remember the teenager and to see a bench in his memory placed in the main derby arena.

Commentator Bryan Mcaliece remembered Bradley as someone who was “always smiling” and “chatted to everybody”.

“Bradley was always full of it, whether he was competing, out with hounds, practicing for inter-hunt competitions, or practicing at home over a big gate that David Broome had given him,” he said.

“The outpouring of grief we have seen from all over the country shows how loved this young man was.”

The bench will remain under the tree in show centre’s derby ring, which he had dreamt of riding in, with a plaque inscribed with the words: “In loving memory of Bradley John. Broomes was his happy place”.

Kate and Byron joined Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield on ITV’s This Morning on Monday (24 September) and encouraged any child who is affected by bullying to talk to someone about what is happening and to realise they are not the one at fault.

If you need support and want someone to talk to, the Samaritans helpline is open 24-hours on 116 123, or visit their website at www.samaritans.org. BullyingUK is another charity offering advice and support, on 0808 800 2222 or www.bullying.co.uk

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Been taking part in #NoStirrupsNovember, but lacking inspiration? Try some of these exercises as recommended by top riders and trainers…

1. Changing your stride pattern using ground poles

“Put two poles on the ground about 8 strides apart and canter down them, counting your strides between the poles. Once you are comfortable cantering over them start adding strides and taking strides away using your upper body and legs not your hand,” says international show jumper Yazmin Pinchen. “Doing this exercise without your stirrups will really help for jumping.”

2. Transitions, transitions, transitions!

“Doing transitions with no stirrups will really help strengthen up your core,” explains Yazmin. “Remember to look ahead, focus on your position and be soft in the hand at all times as you go from canter to trot, to walk, to canter etc.”

British Young Rider Eventing coach Emma Fisher adds: “Riding without stirrups is very tiring so start slowly and build up, doing lots of transitions while holding your balance and position.”

3. Riding one-handed

“Without stirrups, put both reins in your outside hand and put your inside hand down by your side. Sit tall but stay soft through the neck and spine, and keep your hips slightly in front of your shoulders. Ride serpentines and circles building up to doing transitions within each pace, and to and from each pace,” says international event rider Ibby Macpherson. “This exercise helps keep your horse straighter and steers the shoulders more, which gives more room for the inside hind leg while making you engage your core and use your balance and seat to influence the horse.”

4. Trotting poles around a corner

“Trotting over three or four trotting poles, which are placed around a corner, really helps to activate the trot and encourages you to go with the movement, which is so important when riding without stirrups,” continues Ibby. “When riding without stirrups lots of riders block the movement with their seat and lower back so this exercise is great for helping you engage your core and making you go with your horse and ride with a deeper seat.”

If you enjoyed this, you might also like…

5. Lungeing

“Riding with no stirrups on the lunge is a good exercise to practise every day if you can, even if it’s just for five minutes. By the time you’ve been doing it for a month you will notice a huge difference in your riding and more core strength,” continues Yazmin. “Being on a circle means you are in a controlled canter so it is easier to stay correct and you can also hold the front of the saddle at first if you are struggling with your balance.”

6. Keep things the same!

“You don’t always need new or different exercises just because you are riding without stirrups, carry on with what you are doing with stirrups without them,” says Emma.

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday.

A racing fan has spoken of the amazing way horses have helped her through difficult times.

Debbie Matthews’ inspirational story of how she faced her social anxiety and emetophobia (fear of vomiting or seeing vomit) to see her favourite racehorse, Altior, in action went viral in January.

Her blog opened the conversation on what the racing world can do to welcome everyone — and Debbie wants to spread the message to the wider equestrian world.

Her #GoRacingGreen idea, launched at Cheltenham’s Festival Trials day (26 January), involves racegoers wearing something green, such as a ribbon, to signify they were happy for someone on their own to come and talk to them, or as awareness to those around them that they might be feeling anxious or out of place.

In her day job, Debbie works in inclusive tourism, so has been raising awareness with racecourses about simple things they can do that can make a huge difference — such as a designated meeting point for people on their own or a quiet place to take time out.

“It isn’t just about mental health issues,” she said. “I’ve had people contact me and say ‘I used to go with my husband and am on my own since he died’, for example.

“Another huge thing I would like to get across is that phobias and anxieties don’t just affect that person — it affects their families too.

“If it is helping keep families together, if it is helping to stop social isolation, anything it can do to support people getting out and doing things, having some enjoyment is a good thing.

“It doesn’t have to be National Hunt racing, that is just something I like. I went to Badminton with my daughter last year and I couldn’t stay too long as it was a bit overwhelming, so I want to spread the message across the whole equestrian industry.”

But horses have not always been a part of Debbie’s life — and it was a chance meeting with an escapee from a nearby livery yard just over three years ago that started her connection with equines.

“I was absolutely petrified of horses,” she told H&H.

“A lot of my friends at primary school had ponies, but I was never a horsey person.”

Debbie was going through PTSD from the loss of a baby when one day she looked out of her kitchen window and saw a huge thoroughbred in her garden.

“I rang the livery yard, who came and collected him. Then a couple of days later, there he was again, and the same a few days after that.

“One day I went out and started talking to him — he kept coming back and I kept talking to him. At that time I was going through such a traumatic experience and he seemed quite happy to talk to me at a time when nobody else was. Absolutely, undoubtedly, he saved me.”

Last summer Debbie went on an open day to World Horse Welfare’s Glenda Spooner Farm in Somerset, where she met a 13hh cob named Rosie.

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

Subscribe to Horse & Hound from just £24.99 and save 35%

Take advance of our January sale on Horse & Hound magazine subscriptions today

Racing staff called on to aid mental health research

The study aims to establish an overview of mental wellbeing in racing and researchers are asking those who work in

‘A catalyst for good’: giving people a second chance through horses

The aim of the initiative is to give ‘renewed hope to those who have taken a tumble in life through

The pony had been abandoned in a field in Somerset before she was rescued.

Although she was rehabilitated and trained with the aim of being ridden, soundness was an issue so the charity decided she needed a non-ridden home.

“She is amazing,” added Debbie. “I explained my journey to World Horse Welfare and they have been brilliant.”

Credit: Debbie Matthews/World Horse Welfare

Debbie said Rosie settled instantly when she arrived in September.

“We take her for walks and are working towards doing some gentle in hand work with her,” she said.

“She has brought so much joy to me already in just this short time. I have been so unwell in recent years mentally, and I always felt like people were giving up on me.

“I feel the same about Rosie, just because she is a little bit broken, just because any companion horse is a little bit broken, don’t give up on them. Aren’t we all a little bit broken in some way? But we still have lots of love to give.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Three leading British lady jockeys have come together to celebrate International Women’s Day (today, 8 March) ahead of the Cheltenham Festival next week.

Last year’s Festival saw a new record set for lady jockeys, with four women riding winners during the most fiercely contested week in the jump racing calendar.

Three of those winning jockeys, still currently riding, Lizzie Kelly, Bridget Andrews and Harriet Tucker will be heading back to the Festival in a bid to bring home some more great results and fly the flag for the ladies.

In the video, created by Great British Racing, the three jockeys embody what it is to be a top athlete, and also what it takes to achieve the extraordinary feat of winning at the Festival — including courage, resilience, determination and ambition.

Lizzie Kelly returned to the Festival last year with something to prove — after falling in the 2017 Gold Cup — and she did just that by winning the Ultima Handicap Chase aboard Coo Star Sivola.

As the first woman to win a Grade One over jumps, Lizzie has witnessed a positive shift in racing and it’s inclusion of females.

“Women in racing are becoming more common now and it’s a huge thing for racing to be able to use the talents that we have,” said Lizzie. “There was a time when Lucy Alexander was the only professional female jockey in the country. The fact that she won the champion conditional title goes to show that she can do it and we can all do it.

“Since then plenty more women have had success and I think we’re in a really good groove at the moment in terms of how women are getting on. We’re in a golden era for women in racing and long may it continue. Hopefully we get even more women coming into the sport.”

Racegoers were treated to jubilant scenes following Bridget Andrew’s success on the Dan Skelton-trained Mohaayed in the County Hurdle last year, as she embraced boyfriend (now fiancé) and fellow jockey Harry Skelton after the winning post.

“After Cheltenham I believed in myself so much more. I had two massive goals last year — one was to ride a Festival winner and one was to ride out my claim, and I’ve done both. That makes me think that actually I can do it.”

Harriet Tucker became an unexpected star of the 2018 Cheltenham Festival when overcoming the pain of a dislocated shoulder sustained during the Foxhunter Chase, steering Pacha Du Polder home to win.

She became the 14th female rider to enjoy success in the history of the meeting and she will be looking to repeat her success again this year.

“If someone said to me ‘women can’t be jockeys’, I’d laugh in their face because women can do it. We’re proving now, we can do it and that we’re equal — doors are opening and more women are coming into the sport.”

With the much-anticipated Cheltenham Festival around the corner, these previous victors will return with hopes of claiming more glory, while Bryony Frost — who won at the Festival in 2017 — is likely to become the third female jockey to ride in the Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Rachael Blackmore, who is bidding to become the first female Irish champion jockey, will hope to pick up her first Festival win. Trainer Emma Lavelle heads into next week with the well-fancied Paisley Park in the Sun Racing Stayers’ Hurdle.

Don’t miss  our Cheltenham Festival preview in this week’s issue (7 March), and read our full report from the big meeting in Horse & Hound, on sale Thursday, 21 March.

The Irish showjumper on his flexible six-jump course exercise, designed to improve the control of the horse

Aim

I use this training for all of my own horses every week and it has proved to be a useful tool for coaching. This flexible six-jump course exercise can be used in numerous ways and at any level, and is an excellent introduction to jumping a course of fences. The exercise also helps with improving the control of a horse, change of lead, bends and also in particular, preparation for jump-offs.

Every fence in this course is designed to be approached from both sides, each vertical has two poles on cups and two ground lines. Each oxer is square (front and back poles equal height) with ground lines either side and has two poles on cups.

The exercise options

The warm-up

This is a very good introduction to jumping at angles or a sound way to improve jumping at angles. Canter down the left- hand side of the arena towards C. Approach fence four at a nice angle, continuing a figure of eight loop to jump eight on an angle as well (see diagram, right). Change rein and repeat the exercise until you can ride smoothly through all angles.

Course A: 1-8

This training exercise is a solid introduction to jumping a course of fences — it encourages good control and correct riding through bends in particular. Canter to number one with a nice four strides to number two, canter through the bend on the left rein and over number three down the distance, bend on the right rein over the number four two-stride double, then over the number five oxer and six vertical.

Ride the tighter bend over vertical number seven, then canter the distance on the left rein nice and straight over the number eight double.

Course B: 1,2,3,6,7,2,8

This exercise can follow on from the warm-up for more experienced horses, or be a helpful introduction to jump-offs. Canter to jump vertical number one, then a nice four strides down to number two.

Concentrate on jumping with good control down the dog-leg line from three to six and straight onto a second dog-leg line seven to two and finishing over the number eight double.

Young horse exercise

For young horses, you can utilise jumps three and seven in both directions (making sure they have a groundline on each side).

Jump the fences on both reins and approaching from both sides, increasing the height incrementally.

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

#SundaySchool: the showjumping ‘gym’ with Holly Smith

The international showjumper talks us through this multi-fence workout which she uses with both her younger and more experienced horses

#SundaySchool: how to improve control with Blyth Tait

The event rider’s exercise hones jumping with contained power

Treat your mum to a Horse & Hound subscription from just £23.49

Take advantage of our sale on Horse & Hound magazine subscriptions today

Tips and pitfalls

• It is really important to keep your horse under control on the approach to the fence and vital to jump in the middle of the fence in these exercises, otherwise it will be harder to alter your distances successfully in preparation for the upcoming fence.
• Do not be tempted to build a massive course for this exercise. Large fences are not necessary — this exercise is all about improving control and learning to ride nicely through bends.
• It is crucial that the set-up of this course of fences is correct — all oxers must be square and there must be groundlines on both sides to allow you to jump the fence from either direction in order to train your horse equally on each rein.

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday

Event rider Georgie Spence explains how performing bounces on a curve can teach a horse to be quick and neat over a fence

Aim

I have used this exercise — two sets of three bounces on a curved line — a lot over the years. Jumping horses need to be agile, regardless of whether they are showjumpers or event horses, and this exercise teaches them to be tidy over fences.

It’s really important that the rider keeps the horse between hand and leg, and on the line you choose (inside, middle, or outside line of the curve).

The exercise encourages the horse to use his back end and push off from the ground evenly. Being accurate as a rider — staying upright in your body, not tipping forward on to the shoulder and staying in balance — are key to this exercise’s success.

Exercise

1. Set up two sets of three bounce poles on a slight curve. I don’t set out a specific distance between the two sets of bounces, but my arena is 30m wide, so it is normally about five strides.

2. For young and inexperienced horses, you can start with poles on the floor and then progress to small fences. My four-year-olds do poles on the ground to begin with and then I raise the poles gradually, starting with just the middle pole to the first hole on the wings, and progress when they are ready.

3. When the poles are set up as bounce fences, I have the outside of the pole four or five holes higher than the inside of the pole to encourage the horse to use the outside hindleg as much as the inside. The more experienced horses would have it at about 50 to 60cm on the inside and 70 to 80cm on the outside.

4. You want the horse to canter in and over the poles or fences, keeping a good rhythm and jumping smoothly, not launching or rushing. They should give themselves time to assess the exercise and jump quietly. They need to be agile, but not over-jump the first pole and end up getting themselves into trouble.

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

#SundaySchool: Jumping on an angle with Francis Whittington

This simple exercise provides a solid foundation for skinnies and arrowheads

#SundaySchool: how to improve control with Blyth Tait

The event rider’s exercise hones jumping with contained power

Treat your mum to a Horse & Hound subscription from just £23.49

Take advantage of our sale on Horse & Hound magazine subscriptions today

Tips and pitfalls

● To make the exercise more difficult, you can practise riding an inside line on four strides, middle line on five and outside line on six strides.
● The rider has to be very accurate to keep the horse on the correct line.
● Don’t let the horse fall out through the shoulder — use your outside leg and rein contact to keep him straight and on the correct line.
● Remember, this exercise is tiring for the horse, so don’t overdo it and give him plenty of breaks.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday. Plus, don’t miss the current issue (dated 21 March 2019), to read our eventing special