How I should decide whether to shorter or lengthen my horses stride when jumping for the perfect takeoff?

Question

How I should decide whether to shorter or lengthen my horses stride when jumping for the perfect takeoff?

Answer 1

With a single jump just make sure you line up properly and give the horse the best oppurtunity to take off well ( comes with practice)

With a double.. when you walk the course measure out the distance between the jumps. If you had a small pony you might need to lengthen your strides because its built according to an average sized horse.. Or if you had a horse with particularly large strides you will need to shorten them =]

You just have to learn the size of your horses strides compared to the average strides by which they measure the distances between doubles with =]

Answer 2

You get the horse up in front of the jump and let it decide how to make the jump, just do not get in it mouth or get off balance.

Answer 3

You are suppose to canter round at a normal pace and then when you are three strides away from the jump you are meant to hold the horse back gently, just to steady his pace and prepare for take off. A few half halts should hold him/her back enough.

(Incase you didn't know-half halts are where the rider pulls very lightly back on the reins but then releasing the pressure straight after. Half halts are used as a calling signal to the horse. It calls the horse's attension back to the rider to tell him he is about to be asked to do something e.g. make a turn, perform a difficult move or in this case jump an obsticle.

Answer 4

try both and see which one you prefer and go with that one