Read Time: 8 minutes
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Alyssa Schaefer
Have You Ever Wondered How to Count Steps Between Jumps in a Combination?
Today, I'm going to show you exactly how to walk proper distances between fences to both set up a course or to walk a show jump course.
Nobody wants to be that one person who has to ask, so don't worry – I've got you covered! After reading this post, you'll look like a superstar when you go back and know exactly how to set and walk horse jump distances.
Setting Up the Jumps
Here is a video that is a visual demonstration to go along with this blog post to help you see as well as read how to set up distances for horse combination jumping.
Here's how to count the steps correctly:
- Start on the Backside of the First Fence: Position yourself right up against the back of the first fence. It’s essential to start from a consistent point to ensure your measurements are accurate.
- Understanding the Steps: For every horse stride (approximately 12 feet), you'll take about four three-foot steps. This means you need two steps for the landing and two steps for the takeoff.
Now Let's Break It Down:
Counting the Strides:
- Take Two Three-Foot Steps for the Landing: After the horse jumps the first fence, it needs to land safely. Typically, two three-foot steps (six feet) are required to account for the landing.
- Take Two Three-Foot Steps for the Takeoff: Similarly, before the horse jumps the next fence, it needs to prepare for the takeoff, which also requires two three-foot steps.
- Count Every Four Steps to Cover One Horse Stride: Combining the landing and takeoff steps, you have one complete horse stride.
Here’s How I Count It:
- Start by Counting to Three and Then One More Step: This totals four steps, which equals one horse stride.
- Repeat the Process Until You Reach the End of the Combination: Continue this pattern to measure the entire distance of the jump combination.
By counting this way, you ensure accuracy in measuring the distance between fences. Remember, you need to subtract the extra step at the end to account for the landing and takeoff. This method helps you set up your course more precisely and will improve your horse’s performance.
Practicing with Poles
Here's an easy way to practice walking your strides between horse jumps.
Did you know that the average pole for a horse jump is 10 to 12 feet? (Make sure you double-check if your poles are 10 or 12 feet.)
Since a pole is 12 feet and a horse stride is also 12 feet, you can practice walking your four steps from one end of the pole to the other. This ensures you have the right feel and practice for how long your step needs to be to get four even strides on a pole.
Practicing with poles allows you to develop a consistent and natural step length, making it easier to set up jump combinations accurately.
- Consistency is Key: Consistent practice is crucial for mastering stride counting. Regularly practice walking distances will help you develop a natural feel for the distances. Consistency helps you become more intuitive about the steps needed for different combinations.
- Use Ground Poles: Before jumping actual fences, use ground poles to practice counting strides. This helps both you and your horse become comfortable with the distances. Ground poles are a safe and effective way to practice without the risk of jumping errors.
- Vary Your Strides: Practice walking different types of combinations, such as one-stride, two-stride, and three-stride distances. This prepares you for various courses and combinations. Each type of combination requires a different approach, and practicing them all will make you more versatile.
- Measure Your Steps: If you're unsure about the length of your steps, measure them. Use a tape measure to ensure your steps are consistently three feet long. Accurate step measurement is fundamental to setting up precise jump distances.
- Work with a Trainer: If possible, work with a trainer or experienced rider who can provide feedback and help you refine your technique. A knowledgeable trainer can offer insights and corrections that you might not notice on your own.
- Use Visual Markers: Place visual markers, such as cones or small objects, at key points to help you visualize the strides and distances. Visual markers can guide you in maintaining consistent steps and making accurate adjustments.
- Ride the Line: Once you have walked the combination, ride the line several times to ensure your horse is comfortable and understands the distances. Riding the line reinforces the practice and helps your horse adjust to the measured strides.
- Adjust for Different Horses: Remember that stride lengths can vary between horses. Adjust your counting and distances based on your horse's natural stride length. Some horses may have longer or shorter strides, and it's important to accommodate their individual needs.
- Practice Transitions: Practice transitioning between gaits (walk, trot, canter) while counting strides. This helps you maintain rhythm and balance during courses. Smooth transitions are essential for maintaining control and accuracy in jumping.
- Stay Calm and Confident: Confidence is key when riding jump combinations. Trust your counting and stay calm to give your horse the best possible experience. A calm and confident rider helps the horse feel secure and perform better.
3 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Inconsistent Steps: One of the most common mistakes is taking inconsistent steps. Ensure your steps are measured and consistent to maintain accuracy in stride counting.
- Rushing the Process: Rushing through the stride counting process can lead to errors. Take your time to measure and count accurately, especially when setting up new combinations.
- Lack of Practice: Inadequate practice can lead to poor performance. Regularly practice walking and riding jump combinations to develop your skills and build confidence.
Final Thoughts
- Measure Your Steps: Make sure your steps are consistent and approximately three feet each.
- Practice Regularly: The more you practice, the more accurate you'll become in counting strides.
- Feel the Rhythm: Develop a feel for the rhythm of your steps, making it easier to count strides intuitively.
You learn something new every day! By practicing these techniques, you'll enhance your ability and consistency for setting fences.
Happy jumping!
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Real talk on horse training, riding improvement, and the equestrian life from a CCI3*** eventer who's figured out a few things the hard way.
Hi, I Am Alyssa Schaefer
Professional Amateur Three Day Eventer
Hey, I'm Alyssa! 🤠
Northern California based eventer, Equiband obsessive, and the person behind Hashtag Team Fuego. I have been competing and training horses for over 20 years, bringing approximately 15 horses along from their first show up to the CCI3*** level.
The short version of my story is that I bet everything on horses at 18 and never looked back. The longer version involves a lot of early mornings, a tendon injury that could have ended Fuego's career in 2020, and a comeback that took us to a 4th place CCI3*S finish and the Adult Amateur Reserve Champion title at Intermediate in 2022.
These days I spend my time competing, developing my young homebred prospects, and creating training resources that help everyday equestrians get more out of their horses. The Campfire Chat is where I share what I am learning in real time: the wins, the work, and everything in between.
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