Establishing Flow in the Space Between Jumps

05/30/22 • 11 min

Jumping is one of those things most riders love or hate. In my experience, their personal preferences depend on how well they can use the space between jumps. If every jumping track feels like a tug of war from start to finish, it’s easy to see how jumping itself won’t be all that enjoyable. The same applies if the rider feels like they are doing the work for both themselves and their very uninterested, laid-back, and uninspired horse!

One of the best ways to improve your jumping is to work on the space between jumps. This will improve the overall experience for both horse and rider...

But simply saying the space between jumps can sound a little overwhelming. After all, we really are only ‘jumping’ for a tiny amount of time. The rest is spent working inside of this ‘space’. I think there are a few key areas you can begin to improve, to help both you and your horse get more out of working over fences.

More Training & Support

More Training & Support

Previous Episode

Why Improving Your Accuracy Will Improve Your Engagement in Your Riding

Accuracy can seem like a dull and boring concept when riding horses. Sure, if you are going to compete in dressage or show jumping, accuracy can become really important. But what about if you are simply a rider, working alone with your horse, trying to improve your overall skills? Is accuracy still as important?

I'm going to say yes, accuracy is important. And it is an excellent way of actually establishing and building engagement with your horse.

Now, granted, accuracy and engagement might seem like they have nothing to do with each other initially. How could do something at a specific point in the arena or in the conversation help with engagement? And the answer is "more than you can even begin to realize".

Next Episode

Out on the Trail; Harnessing the Different Energy

Anyone who has ridden in an arena for a prolonged period knows how different the energy feels when they finally get out on the trail. What may have been feeling a little flat and, even, deflated, suddenly comes back to life. Both horse and rider seem to become more keenly self-aware. And more responsive to external elements.

Rather than being afraid of this energy or worried about it, you can rather begin to intentionally channel that energy to improving your training & riding.

By strategically channeling this energy, you can actually use your hacking or time out on the trail to actually improve things. Both you and your horse can positively influence your training and development. And, then return to the arena with a greater understanding of the different questions.

More Training & Support