Show jumping exercises for small arenas
Welcome to the second video in my ten-part series of show jumping exercises for small arenas. This exercise uses just six jumps — three oxers and three verticals — so it is straightforward to build in a smaller space. It brings together related distances and the tight turns you would expect in a compact arena. It is fun to ride, and it will test both you and your horse.
Watch the video for the setup, warm-up and full ride. Keep the course plan below handy as you follow along. You can open the image on your phone while you build the exercise and use the video to see exactly where the jumps and ground poles go.
Course plan
Use the image below alongside the video, or open the full-size course plan on your phone. The video shows the position of each jump and the two ground poles used in the warm-up.
Warm up before jumping
Start with the two ground poles shown in the video. The warm-up helps you get your eye in and gives your horse a chance to become responsive and adjustable before the jumping begins. Ride the turns to and from the poles, looking early for your next line and keeping the canter balanced. These tight turns are more forgiving over poles, so use them to find a rhythm that feels comfortable for you both.
Build up to the full course
The first jumping phase continues the warm-up over two fences. Begin with both jumps small and ride them in both directions. Once you are happy with your horse’s response, raise them to your usual schooling height and repeat. When the turns and approaches feel consistent, ride the whole exercise, following the video and course plan. Watch the pressure points section of the video too: there are a couple of places where the ride can change quickly.
Pressure points to watch
In the video, I get a little bogged down in one turn and do not get the forward ride I want to the first part of a related distance. Because the approach is quiet, the distance then feels long. Be aware of how the turn affects your canter before you enter that line.
Later, I have a very forward ride to a jump and carry that pace into the next turn. The following vertical comes up quickly. Look early, sit up and rebalance your horse’s canter as soon as you can, giving yourself time for a good ride to the fence. You can watch the pressure points chapter after seeing the full course. If you would like feedback on your own ride, explore online showjumping coaching.
