Jumping Beginner 20 min

Canter Adjustability Between Poles

Focus: Adjustability, Stride Control, Balance

Equipment: 2 ground poles, 4 cones or markers

Set up 2 ground poles 72 feet apart (approximately 5 normal canter strides).
Approach at the working canter. Count your strides between the poles: you should get 5.
On the next pass, try to fit 6 strides (collected, shorter canter).
On the third pass, try to fit 4 strides (open, longer canter without running).
The goal is to ride the same distance in different stride counts by adjusting stride length.
Practice until you can reliably hit 4, 5, or 6 strides on demand.

Changing the tempo (speed) instead of the stride length to adjust the count.
Not committing to the adjustment — half-hearted collection that doesn't change the count.
Pulling on the reins to add strides instead of using seat and half-halts.
Running at the poles to leave out strides, arriving dangerously close to the second pole.

Change the distance to 60 feet for a 4-stride normal, 3/5 stride adjustability exercise.
Add a third pole for two consecutive distance questions.
Replace poles with small fences for real jumping adjustability.

Tip: Stride adjustability is the single most important skill in jumping. A rider who can add or leave out a stride can ride any course.