3 Gymnastic Exercises to Sharpen Your Jump-Off Skills
When I train students and horses, I focus on clear rider aids, straightness, honest responses to the rider’s leg, adjustability out of the turns, timing and composure under pressure. The following three exercises address all these qualities—and more. They are suitable for riders of any level, from the low amateurs to the grand prix.
Exercise 1: The Cavalletti Clock
SETUP: Set four low cavalletti or ground poles at the 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions of a comfortable-sized circle (see diagram, right). I always use striped poles because that helps in finding the center. Don’t worry about the exact distances between the poles.
Starting at the walk, ride a circle over the four poles, aiming for the center of each one. Sit lightly, use inside leg to outside rein and look at the next pole as you are preparing to go over the one in front of you. When that’s going well, turn around and ride the circle in the opposite direction. Gradually build up to doing the same at the trot and canter.
