Jumping Intermediate 30 min

Three-Stride Related Distance at the Collected Trot

Focus: Stride Control, Rhythm, Confidence

Equipment: 4 jump poles, 4 jump standards

Set up 2 small fences 48 feet apart (three normal collected trot strides).
Approach at the working collected trot. After the first fence, count your strides: 1-2-3.
You should arrive at the second fence with a comfortable distance on stride 3.
Keep your leg on and your eyes up. Let the collected trot rhythm carry you to the fence.
If you get 4 strides, your collected trot is too slow. If you get 2, it's too fast.
Repeat 4-6 times until the 3-stride line feels automatic.

Counting strides wrong — start counting when the horse's front feet land after the first fence.
Changing the canter speed between the fences instead of maintaining rhythm.
Looking down between the fences instead of at the second fence.
Tensing up after the first fence because you're worried about the distance.

Try the 3-stride in 4 strides (collected) or 2 strides (open) for adjustability.
Add a third fence for a 3-stride to 3-stride exercise.
Approach from trot for a different first-fence dynamic.

Tip: Three strides gives you plenty of time to adjust. If you maintain rhythm, the distance takes care of itself.