Jumping Beginner 20 min

Warm-Up Sequence for a Jumping Session

Focus: Warm-up, Rhythm, Confidence

Equipment: 4 ground poles, 2 jump poles, 2 jump standards

Start with 5-10 minutes of flatwork: walk, trot, and canter in both directions with transitions.
Set up 4 trot poles and ride through them 3-4 times to establish rhythm.
Add a small cross-rail (12 inches). Trot to it 3 times from each direction.
Raise to a small vertical (18 inches). Canter to it 3 times from each direction.
If all approaches felt good, you're warmed up and ready for your main exercise.
The warm-up should take about 15-20 minutes. Never skip it.

Skipping the flatwork warm-up and going straight to jumping.
Warming up over fences that are too large, which wears out the horse before the real work.
Rushing the warm-up because you're eager to start the main exercise.
Not establishing good flatwork rhythm before approaching the first fence.

Customize your warm-up to address your horse's current weak point.
Add lateral work (shoulder-in, leg yield) to the flatwork portion for thoroughness.
Use the warm-up to practice your weakest skill before the main session.

Tip: The warm-up is not optional. It prepares the horse's muscles, mind, and balance for the demands of jumping. Skip it at your own risk.