Jumping
Beginner
20 min
Seeing the Distance: Single Fence Approach at the Trot
Focus: Accuracy, Confidence, Rhythm
Equipment: 2 jump poles, 2 jump standards
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Set up a single small cross-rail (12-18 inches). Approach at the working trot.
- Focus on maintaining a steady rhythm — don't try to 'find' the distance by adjusting at the last moment.
- Look at the top of the fence from 6 strides away. Keep your leg on and your rhythm steady.
- If you arrive at a good distance, great. If it's slightly long or short, that's okay — the horse will adjust.
- After each approach, evaluate: did the horse jump comfortably? Was the rhythm consistent?
- Repeat 6-8 times. The goal is consistency of approach, not perfection of distance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Staring at the base of the fence, which drops the horse onto the forehand.
- Making a major adjustment (pulling or kicking) in the last 2 strides.
- Holding your breath on the approach, creating tension in your body.
- Speed-up or slow-down approaches that change the rhythm in the last 3 strides.
Variations & Progressions
- Approach from different angles: straight, slightly right, slightly left.
- Close your eyes for 2 strides on the approach to develop feel.
- Add a placing pole 9 feet before the fence to build distance confidence.
Tip: The secret to seeing distances is not seeing them — it's maintaining rhythm. A steady canter produces good distances naturally.
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