Fix it Four-star event rider Andrew James on how to avoid knocking poles
The four-star event rider on how to avoid knocking poles ‘The key to solving this problem is having a good, adjustable canter’
THIS is often a problem with event horses as they are used to running cross-country. The three most common causes are your horse hollowing and not using his back; increasing his stride length, or speed, into the fence, giving a flatter jump; or him not being straight, so not pushing off equally behind and trailing a leg.
The key to solving this problem is having a good, adjustable canter that you can lengthen and shorten. You must maintain a balanced stride, making sure he remains straight with a soft back.
TACKLING THE ISSUE
1Canter poles into a fence help to regulate stride length. You may need to begin with a smaller fence and the poles further apart. As your horse learns, you can raise the fence and shorten the distances of the poles.
2“V” rails help with straightness and educate your horse to lift through his back, helping him make a better shape and allowing his hindlegs to swing away. Start with the rails set wide and slowly bring the raised end of the poles closer.
3A raised ground pole in front of the fence (see diagram) will help to move
the centre of your horse’s bascule further forward, giving him more time to release his back end over the fence.
Lower, wider oxers are another way to help him make a better shape — he will always jump in an arc, so will have to jump higher over a low, wide fence than a narrower one. This teaches him to use his back and allows his hindlegs more time.
4A channel of poles in front of the fence (see diagram) will help to keep him straight. Place these six to eight feet away from the fence, start with them wide and gradually bring them in. This will help your horse to take off equally with both hindlegs, resulting in more power and a cleaner jump.