Jumping
Beginner
30 min
Combination: In-and-Out at the Trot
Focus: Technique, Balance, Responsiveness
Equipment: 4 jump poles, 4 jump standards
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Set up two small fences 24 feet apart (one stride). This is an in-and-out combination.
- Approach at the working trot. After the first fence, the horse has exactly one stride before the second.
- Keep your leg on between the fences. The horse should jump in, stride, and jump out smoothly.
- Your upper body should stay centered — don't lean forward between the fences.
- Practice from both directions (the distances may feel different depending on the horse).
- This is a standard combination found in almost every jumping course.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- The horse adding a stride (getting 2 strides instead of 1) due to lack of impulsion.
- The rider getting ahead of the motion on the first fence and interfering with the stride.
- Not enough leg between the fences, causing the horse to stop at the second element.
- The horse jumping flat, not using its body correctly in the short distance.
Variations & Progressions
- Change to a bounce (10 feet, no stride) for more technical demand.
- Add a third element for a one-to-one-stride combination.
- Raise the second element higher than the first for scope development.
Tip: Combinations test your horse's training more than any other element. If the flatwork is correct, the combination rides itself.
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