How to Make Your Horse Have Better Form Over a Jump

The rush of executing a perfect jump with a horse is a glorious feeling. The horse's arc, otherwise known as a bascule, over the jump is what makes for a smooth jump and is largely governed by the take-off point before the jump. Using several gymnastic exercises and employing some strategic poles placed on the ground can improve a horse's form over a jump, regardless of the size of the fence.

Things You'll Need

  • Ground poles
  • Jumps
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Instructions

    • 1

      Ask your horse to leg yield in all gaits on the flat. Leg yielding is when the horse is moving sideways and forward at the same time. While at the trot, push your horse in one direction using one leg. Continue driving your horse forward using your seat.

    • 2

      Slow your horse down before a jump if the horse appears to be flat and not round. Keep your rhythm steady and even. Place a ground pole 10 feet away from the landing so the horse bounces over it, further regulating his rhythm.

    • 3

      Place a ground pole approximately 9 to 10 feet away from a small vertical fence or cross rail. This will assist a horse who has a weak front end.

    • 4

      Bring your horse to a jump with a more forward rhythm and close your legs strongly at the point of take-off if it is sticky or reluctant over jumps.

    • 5

      Build two small jumps that have 18 feet of space between the them. Place a ground pole 9 feet in front of the first jump. This will aid you in building a steady rhythm between fences for horses that are flat or sticky over jumps.