Jumping
Beginner
20 min
Trot Poles to Cross-Rail
Focus: Technique, Rhythm, Confidence
Equipment: 3 ground poles, 2 jump poles, 2 jump standards
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Set up 3 trot poles spaced 4.5 feet apart, with a cross-rail 9 feet after the last pole.
- Approach at the posting trot. Trot through the poles maintaining a steady rhythm.
- After the last pole, the horse will naturally jump the cross-rail from the correct distance.
- Focus on your position over the fence: heels down, eyes up, following hands.
- Land and continue in a straight line at the canter for 6-8 strides.
- Repeat 4-6 times. The poles create consistency in every approach.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Picking up the canter through the trot poles and arriving too fast at the fence.
- Looking down at the poles, dropping the horse onto the forehand.
- Tensing through the poles in anticipation of the jump.
- Not keeping enough leg through the poles, losing impulsion.
Variations & Progressions
- Add a second fence one stride (18 feet) after the cross-rail.
- Remove one trot pole at a time to gradually increase independence.
- Replace the cross-rail with a small vertical to increase difficulty.
Tip: Trot poles to a fence is the safest way to build jumping confidence. The poles guarantee a good distance to the fence.
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