Jumping
Beginner
30 min
Three-Element Bounce Grid at the Trot
Focus: Technique, Balance, Agility
Equipment: 6 jump poles, 6 jump standards
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Set up 3 cross-rails, each 10 feet apart (bounce-bounce).
- Approach at the trot. The horse bounces through all three fences without a stride between any of them.
- This is physically demanding. Start at very low heights (12 inches) and only raise when the horse is comfortable.
- Keep your upper body centered and your leg secure. Your hands must follow the horse's mouth over each fence.
- The horse will develop explosive hind leg power and quick front leg folding from this exercise.
- Limit to 4-5 passes per session. Bounces are hard work.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- The horse losing momentum and stopping at the second or third element.
- Setting the fences too high for a three-bounce, causing the horse to struggle.
- The rider getting bounced out of the saddle because of the rapid succession.
- The horse drifting sideways through the grid.
Variations & Progressions
- Progress to a four-element bounce for advanced horses.
- Mix cross-rails and verticals: cross-rail, vertical, cross-rail.
- Add a one-stride after the final bounce to a slightly larger fence.
Tip: Three bounces is the sweet spot — enough repetition to build technique without being so long that the horse loses energy.
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