Developing an ideal jumping position requires lots of practice and strength-building exercises. A coach or instructor should work with the rider to create a secure seat at all gaits, from walking to hand gallop, before introducing them to jumping.

Begin with a simple bounce rail 9 feet away from the landing Crossrail. Place a small vertical or oxer perpendicular to the bounce rail to teach your horse to center his jumping arc over each element.

Build Your Equestrian Jump Course

Jumping can be more complex and dangerous than flatwork because it involves a horse and rider hurdling over an object. Horses should be introduced to jumping slowly and in small groups to avoid injuries. Trainers often start beginners over low cross rails and poles before advancing them to verticals and oxers.

When jumping, riders must be able to stay centered on their horse by closing their waist. This is called the two-point position, and it requires a level of balance that can only be achieved with proper preparation.

For those who prefer a DIY approach, there are many ways to build a simple horse jump course on a budget. For example, plastic barrels can be filled with sand and hung with jump wings to create a basic jump. Wooden pallets are another inexpensive option for equestrians who want to save money on building materials. White exterior house paint can be applied to all wooden surfaces of a standard jump for a more polished look.

Buy Jump Packages

Kids horse jumps sets allow kids to practice their riding skills and play fun games. For example, they can compete against their friends in a barrel race by setting up a cloverleaf pattern of three toy barrels and time each one’s “run.” Alternatively, they can set up a show jumping course with toy horses and try to beat their opponents’ times.

When practicing free jumping, it’s important to remember that less is more. Many horses will become overwhelmed if asked to negotiate too many obstacles in a single session. The goal is to get them comfortable enough to demonstrate their natural jumping ability and style. It’s also a good idea to stop feeding your horse during these sessions, as the extra weight can make him over-jump and lose balance. Instead, save treats for after jumping. This will encourage him to turn his attention toward you and help him focus on the task.

Buy Jump Cups

Free jumping is one of the most fun ways to introduce a horse to jumping. Remove his halter and allow him to explore the arena independently at whatever gait he chooses. He can sniff the jumps and chute barriers to become familiar with them. Then, use the long whip to guide him around the combination of standards and jump cups, making sure to be clear in your commands and gentle with the reins. It’s essential not to whoop and holler as this will encourage the horse to take his focus off the jumps.

Once the horse has jumped this simple combination of standards and jump cups several times, raise the height gradually. When the horse reaches its limit and can no longer clear the jump, move on to another obstacle. Repeat until he clears the course with ease. This will help him learn to use his neck and hindquarters for balance, a skill that transfers well to all horseback riding disciplines.

Buy Ground Poles

Riding over ground poles helps develop the horse’s balance, straightness, and rhythm. This basic gymnastics is especially helpful for riders struggling with jumping, such as jumping ahead or ducking at jumps. It also teaches the rider to be still and follow the horse’s lead.

Place a pole in a straight line to set up the trot grid and create a circle around it with another bar. Space the two poles approximately a horse’s trot stride apart for the walk and closer together for the canter.

Once you have the hang of this simple exercise, you can ride a pattern through the poles, creating a serpentine or jumping one pole at a time, or if you are an advanced rider, you can raise the poles to make cavaletti. This is an excellent workout for the horses and a good drill to help you practice your jumps in preparation for show jumping.