Horse jump gymnastics
If you’re looking to add something fun and challenging to your training routine, this horse jump gymnastics exercise is perfect. Most riders have done basic gymnastic lines, but this takes it a step further by stringing several gymnastics together to create a complete gymnastic track. It’s not only enjoyable to ride, but it will also test your balance, control, and accuracy — all essential skills for both horse and rider.
This exercise includes four different horse jump gymnastics, each offering something unique. The first features a long, six-stride gymnastic that helps you and your horse develop rhythm and confidence over a more extended line. Then, you move into a short set of three bounces on a curve, which really sharpens your horse’s agility and requires quick reactions from the rider. The combination of long and short lines challenges your adjustability and keeps both you and your horse thinking.
Because the four gymnastics are set fairly close together, there’s little time to relax between them — you need to stay focused, ride accurate lines, and maintain your horse’s balance throughout. It’s a brilliant way to improve control and balance, while also helping your horse develop agility, strength, and a little extra scope.
This exercise is suitable for a variety of horses and riders, but it will particularly benefit anyone working on technical riding or preparing for competition. Give it a try — it’s a fantastic way to build skill while keeping your training sessions fun and engaging.
How to set up these horse jump gymnastics
How to Set Up the Exercise
Let’s break this down step by step to make setup simple and stress-free.
Jump 5 — Top of the Arena
Start by setting up the line along the top long side of your arena:
- An oxer, followed by one stride to a bounce, then one stride to another oxer.
- Measure 7 paces from the first oxer to the bounce.
- The bounces are spaced 3 paces apart.
- Then, 7 paces from the last bounce to the second oxer.
- I originally tried 7.5 paces here, but found it rode too long — 7 paces works better for most horses.
Jump 1 — Bottom of the Arena
Next, set up the line down the bottom long side of your arena:
- A vertical, followed by three strides to three bounces, then another three strides to an oxer.
- Measure 15 paces from the vertical to the first bounce.
- 3 paces between each bounce.
- Another 15 paces from the last bounce to the oxer.
Jumps 2 and 4 — Fan-Shaped Bounces in the Corners
- Set up a fan-shaped bounce in each corner.
- On the inside of the fan, measure 2 paces, and on the outside, 4 paces.
- Place the poles on the ground first to adjust the shape before building the jumps.
- These can be tricky for horses new to them — check out the video below for riding tips and pressure point advice.
Jump 3 — Centre of the Arena
Finally, set up an oxer in the middle of the arena, which acts as a way to change rein through the exercise.
And that’s it — your course is ready to go!
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