EXERCISE 2

For the next exercise place four cross-poles in a circle with a four-stride distance between each fence (see diagram above). The objective here is to keep you and your horse in a good, balanced canter rhythm, which is so important in the ring.

To begin with, particularly if your horse is young or inexperienced, just jump fences one and three, missing out the alternate fences. Once you both feel comfortable doing this, add in a third fence, and then the last until you’re jumping all four.

You can keep going round on the circle two or three times if you’re still in balance. However, if you feel that your balance isn’t great, just miss out a fence and then start again at the one after.

This exercise really helps to keep your horse on a nice bend and softens him up on both reins. I would always suggest starting this exercise on the rein your horse feels more comfortable on and then switch to the side that needs more improvement.