Show Jumping Course

Lesson 1 • Understanding Jump Types and Terminology

Introduces verticals, oxers, combinations, and water jumps with precise terminology. Riders can identify and discuss fence types used throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • History and Evolution of the Sport

Traces show jumping from 19th-century horse trials to modern Olympic competition. Provides context for current rules and course design standards.

Lesson 3 • Horse Selection and Basic Assessment

Outlines traits that make a horse suitable for show jumping at various levels. Riders learn to evaluate conformation, temperament, and athletic ability.

Lesson 4 • Core Rules and Competition Format

Covers fault scoring, time allowed, jump-off procedures, and elimination criteria. Riders understand how results are determined before entering the arena.

Lesson 1 • Hand Position and Rein Contact

Teaches soft, following hands that maintain consistent contact without interfering with the horse's bascule. Directly supports effective communication over fences.

Lesson 2 • Leg Position and Stability

Focuses on a stable lower leg that stays under the hip and does not swing on takeoff or landing. Provides the platform for accurate aid application.

Lesson 3 • Position Faults and Correction Strategies

Identifies common faults such as chair seat, tipping forward, and pinching knee, with targeted corrections. Riders develop self-assessment skills for ongoing improvement.

Lesson 4 • Balance and Core Stability

Trains core engagement and dynamic balance to keep the rider centered over the horse's movement. Reduces reliance on reins for balance.

Lesson 1 • Collection and Extension of Gaits

Introduces shortening and lengthening strides within each gait to develop adjustability. Adjustable canter is the most critical skill for course riding.

Lesson 2 • Responsiveness to the Aids

Refines the horse's reaction to leg, seat, and rein aids for immediate, light responses. Responsiveness underpins every adjustment made on course.

Lesson 3 • Canter Quality and Lead Changes

Builds a balanced, uphill canter and introduces simple and flying lead changes. Correct leads are mandatory for smooth course navigation.

Lesson 4 • Straightness and Lateral Suppleness

Trains the horse to travel straight on curved and straight lines using lateral exercises. Straightness is essential for accurate fence approaches.

Lesson 1 • Building a Basic Gymnastic Grid

Constructs a progressive grid from a placing pole to a vertical to an oxer. Teaches the horse to self-regulate and the rider to stay passive.

Lesson 2 • Developing the Horse's Bascule

Uses grid variations to encourage a round, arching jump with a lowered head and neck. A correct bascule improves clearance and reduces rail knockdowns.

Lesson 3 • Bounce Exercises and Athleticism

Introduces bounce distances that demand quick hindquarter engagement and sharp reflexes. Develops the horse's scope and the rider's security in the tack.

Lesson 4 • Rider Eye and Stride Counting

Trains the rider to see a distance and count strides from the approach. Accurate stride counting is the foundation of course riding decisions.

Lesson 1 • Jumping Spread Fences and Oxers

Adapts technique for the wider profile of oxers and other spread fences. Riders learn to generate sufficient scope and forward momentum.

Lesson 2 • Takeoff Zone and Stride Adjustment

Defines the ideal takeoff zone for each fence type and teaches adjustments to reach it. Riders learn to add or shorten strides without disrupting rhythm.

Lesson 3 • Landing, Recovery, and Rebalancing

Focuses on the landing phase and the immediate rebalancing needed to prepare for the next fence. Efficient recovery is critical for course fluency.

Lesson 4 • The Approach and Line to the Fence

Establishes a straight, balanced approach on the correct line to each fence type. A quality approach determines the quality of the jump.

Lesson 1 • Problem-Solving in Combinations

Addresses common problems such as chipping in, long spots, and loss of impulsion mid-combination. Riders develop in-the-moment correction strategies.

Lesson 2 • Riding Double Combinations

Applies approach and adjustability skills to double combinations of varying fence types. Riders maintain rhythm and balance through both elements.

Lesson 3 • Related Distance Lines and Bending Lines

Covers four-stride and five-stride related distances and introduces bending lines. Riders learn to count, adjust, and maintain straightness on each line.

Lesson 4 • Understanding Combination Distances

Explains standard one-stride and two-stride distances and how horse size affects them. Riders calculate and walk distances accurately before mounting.

Lesson 1 • Pace and Time Allowed Calculations

Explains how to calculate the required pace to finish within the time allowed. Riders avoid time faults through deliberate pace planning.

Lesson 2 • Analyzing Fence Types and Challenges

Teaches riders to identify the specific challenge of each fence and plan the appropriate approach. Fence analysis informs pace and line decisions.

Lesson 3 • Building and Memorizing the Riding Plan

Guides riders in constructing a complete mental plan and committing it to memory before entering the ring. A clear plan reduces reactive decision-making on course.

Lesson 4 • Systematic Course Walking Method

Introduces a step-by-step process for walking every line, distance, and turn on a course. A consistent method prevents missed details under competition pressure.

Lesson 1 • Riding Under Pressure and Competition Nerves

Addresses the psychological demands of competition and techniques for managing performance anxiety. Mental composure directly affects technical execution.

Lesson 2 • Competing at Increasing Heights and Levels

Outlines the progression through competition levels and the technical demands of each height increase. Riders develop a structured plan for moving up the levels.

Lesson 3 • Jump-Off Strategy and Execution

Develops jump-off tactics including tight turns, leaving out strides, and risk management. Riders balance speed with accuracy to maximize competitive results.

Lesson 4 • Adjusting to Different Arenas and Footing

Prepares riders to adapt their plan and pace to unfamiliar arenas, footing types, and lighting. Adaptability is a hallmark of experienced competitors.