Jumping
Intermediate
30 min
Vertical Jump: Building Height at the Collected Trot
Focus: Technique, Confidence, Scope
Equipment: 2 jump poles, 2 jump standards
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start with a vertical at 2 feet. Approach at the working collected trot.
- Maintain rhythm and impulsion. The horse needs to use its hind legs to clear a vertical.
- After 3 successful jumps at 2 feet, raise to 2'3". Repeat 3 clean jumps.
- Continue raising in 3-inch increments: 2'6", 2'9", 3'0" (if your level permits).
- At each height, evaluate: is the horse jumping cleanly? Is it rocking back on the haunches for takeoff?
- Stop at the first sign of struggling or loss of form. Quality over height.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Raising the fence before the horse is consistently clean at the current height.
- Getting greedy with height and pushing past the horse's current ability.
- The horse hanging its front legs because it's reaching instead of jumping with technique.
- The rider getting behind the motion as the fences get bigger.
Variations & Progressions
- Add a placing pole to maintain consistent takeoff distances.
- Compare the horse's technique over a vertical vs. an oxer at the same height.
- Use a gymnastic approach (trot in to one-stride) for height building.
Tip: Height comes from technique, not courage. A horse that uses its body correctly at 2 feet will be safe at 3 feet.
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