Jumping
Intermediate
25 min
Long Approach to a Single Fence
Focus: Accuracy, Rhythm, Patience
Equipment: 2 jump poles, 2 jump standards
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Set up a single fence in the center of the arena. Your approach will be the full length of the arena.
- Pick up the canter at the far end of the arena, 80-100 feet from the fence.
- Establish your rhythm in the first 3-4 strides. Then maintain that exact rhythm all the way to the fence.
- Do not adjust in the last 3 strides. Trust the rhythm to produce a good distance.
- After jumping, canter away and evaluate: were the first 3 strides the same as the last 3?
- Repeat 5-6 times. Consistency is the goal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Starting to 'ride the distance' from too far away, making adjustments throughout.
- The horse speeding up as it approaches the fence because it can see it for a long time.
- The rider getting tense and picking up the reins in the last 5 strides.
- Not committing to the canter rhythm and constantly second-guessing.
Variations & Progressions
- Practice the long approach from both directions to test both leads.
- Have someone count your strides out loud to check rhythm consistency.
- Use the long approach to a line: single fence then 4 strides to a second fence.
Tip: The long approach tests your mental discipline. The temptation to adjust grows with every stride. Trust your rhythm.
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