How to Improve Your Horse's Form Over Fences

If your horse is jumping flat over fences or hunching his back, this article can help you improve his form over fences.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Jumping Saddle
• Snaffle Bridle
• Cavaletti
• Low Jumps

1. Start by riding your horse on the flat, taking plenty of circles and slow corners to loosen him up. You can improve your horse's form over fences by increasing the effectiveness of your flat work. If he moves well on the flat, he'll move much better when he jumps.
2. Set up several cavaletti (five or six) in a straight line on the arena floor. Trot your horse through the cavaletti several times to loosen his joints and increase his flexion. Make sure he's round and supple, and not hanging on the bit.
3. Next, set up a gymnastic, which is three or four cavaletti before a low cross-rail. This forces your horse to use himself over fences, which increases muscle and improves the form. Again, make sure he's supple and moving forward to the jump. Don't let him hollow his back or crow-hop.
4. Add another low cross-rail to the gymnastic and repeat. If you don't know how to set this up, ask an instructor or experienced rider to help. It's beneficial if you have someone on the ground anyway.
5. Check your own position. Are your knees closed, inhibiting his movement? Are you jerking him in the mouth over fences, causing him to hollow his back? Subtle changes to the rider's position and methods can make a world of difference.

Tips & Warnings

• Your horse may be confused by the gymnastic, which is fine. Just ride him through it as you normally would to give him confidence.