Show jumping exercises for small arenas
Show jumping exercises for small arenas
Welcome to the second video in my 10-part series all about show jumping exercises for small arenas. If you ride in a smaller space, you’ll know how tricky it can be to set up useful, challenging courses without making the arena feel crowded. That’s exactly why I designed this exercise — it’s simple to set up, fun to ride, and makes the most of your available space.
This setup uses just six jumps: three oxers and three verticals. Even with a limited number of fences, you’ll be surprised how much you can work on your skills. There are a few key related distances that require control and accuracy, along with the tight turns that naturally come with riding in a small arena. These are the types of turns and lines you’ll often face at shows, so this is great preparation.
What I love about this exercise is that it’s enjoyable to ride, but it also gives you and your horse a real test. It challenges your ability to maintain rhythm and balance through the turns, ride correct lines, and stay focused under pressure — all without needing a huge space or complicated setup.
If you’re looking for practical, effective show jumping exercises for small arenas, this one is definitely worth trying. It’s ideal for improving your horse’s rideability and your own precision, all while building confidence and having fun. So, grab your poles, set it up, and let’s get started!
How to set this Show jumping exercises for small arenas up
This is a nice, simple setup, but I know you’ll want all the exact measurements — so let’s get straight to it.
Jump 1 – First Line (Long Side of the Arena)
Start by setting up a line of three verticals down one long side of your arena.
- Place placing poles exactly in the middle between each vertical.
- These poles encourage your horse to jump carefully, engage his back, and produce a nice, round shape over the fence.
Measurements:
- 7 paces between the first and second verticals.
- 7.5 paces between the second and third verticals.
- The first placing pole sits halfway at 3.5 paces.
- For the second placing pole, allow 3.75 paces on either side.
- After the third vertical, measure 16 paces to the oxer, which rides as a three-stride distance.
Jumps 5, 6, and 7 – Second Line (Opposite Long Side)
Down the other long side of the arena, set up:
- A vertical, followed by three strides to an oxer.
- Then four strides to another vertical.
Measurements:
- 16 paces from the first vertical to the oxer.
- 20 paces from the oxer to the second vertical.
Jumps 3 and 4 – Middle Line (Across the Arena)
Between the two lines you’ve set up:
- Place a vertical, then a five-stride curved line to a double combination (oxer to vertical).
- Measure 24 paces for the five strides to the double.
- Inside the double, it’s a one-stride combination, so 8 paces between the oxer and the vertical.
And that’s it — your course is ready to go!
Some of our latest exercises:
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