Fun jumping exercises for horses
Fun jumping exercises for horses
We’ve all done gymnastics with our horses — they’re a fantastic way to build confidence, improve technique, and help your horse become more adjustable. But have you ever tried riding a full gymnastic track? This exercise takes things a step further by stringing together four separate gymnastic exercises to create one continuous track. It’s not only a brilliant challenge for both horse and rider, but also one of the most fun jumping exercises for horses you can set up.
The beauty of a gymnastic track is that it forces you and your horse to stay focused, balanced, and in control from start to finish. It’s easy to ride one small gymnastic and feel good about it, but when you link four of them together, you quickly see where your balance, rhythm, and adjustability really are. It’s a fantastic way to test your riding skills while keeping the session interesting for your horse.
This type of setup is excellent for developing your horse’s agility, improving their technique over fences, and building strength. It also keeps your horse thinking — they won’t switch off between exercises because the next challenge is always just a few strides away.
Whether you’re working with a young horse or a more experienced partner, adding gymnastic tracks to your routine is a smart way to develop both horse and rider. Plus, it’s simply one of those fun jumping exercises for horses that keeps schooling sessions fresh and rewarding for everyone involved.
Watch the video for all the details
How to Set Up These Fun Jumping Exercises for Horses
Here’s how to set up this course. It can be a little tricky fitting everything into the arena without the jumps blocking your lines, so take your time. Start by laying out all the poles on the ground and walking the paths you’re likely to ride. Make sure there’s a clear approach and getaway for each jump. Once you’re happy with the layout, you can build the jumps.
Jumps 1 and 2
We’ll start with the line along the top long side of your arena — a vertical followed by an oxer. These are set 17.5 paces apart, giving you a four-stride distance. After that, place four canter poles, each spaced 3.5 paces apart. Finally, add a placing pole 3 paces in front of the vertical to help your horse with the takeoff.
Jump 5
Next, on the bottom long side, set up a gymnastic line:
- A small cross,
- 7 paces to a vertical (one stride),
- 11 paces to an oxer (two strides).
Place a pole on either side of the vertical, both 3.5 paces away.
Jumps 3, 4, 7 & 8
Diagonally across the arena, set up a vertical to an oxer for a related distance of 20 paces (four strides). You’ll jump this line in both directions, so add a ground line on both sides of each fence.
Jump 6
Position an angled oxer between the gymnastic and the diagonal line you just built.
Final Cavaletti Line
Lastly, squeeze in a line of two cavalettis just below the first line you set up. This is a five-stride line, walking 22 paces.
Take your time with the setup — getting it right makes all the difference once you start riding.
Course plan
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