Stay on track

Check out Meg Elphick’s top tips to help you ace your next showjumping round!

Whether or not you want to compete, knowing how to successfully ride a showjumping course is a great skill to have in the bank – plus, jumping’s one of the most fun activities! If you’re looking to fine tune your jumping rounds, follow my tips and you’ll soon be on your way to a clear and the top of the leaderboard!

Count on your canter

Maintaining a positive, powerful canter is key! Showjumping is all about rhythm and balance, so making sure your pony’s canter has both of those things will help you ride a smoother, clearer round. You’ll find course riding so much easier if you can adjust your pony’s canter, too. Try to teach him to listen to your seat – sitting lightly in the saddle means you’re asking him to open up his stride, whereas when you sit deeper, he needs to shorten. This is super-useful when it comes to jumping tricky distances and combinations.

Do your homework

Putting in the hours at home is a crucial piece of the puzzle, and there are lots of ways you can help boost your pony’s performance. First, he has to be fit enough for the job, so make sure you incorporate some fitness sessions into his routine.

Second, work on his technique. Some ponies need extra encouragement to make a good shape over a fence so they jump it clear. Luckily, there are hundreds of different exercises you can do to improve your pony’s skills. Have a go at cross-pole oxers, canter poles either side of the fence and V-poles!

Plan your route

If you’re at a comp, walk the course before you ride it – and remember to walk it with purpose. It’s no good wandering around just looking at the height of the fences! Take note of any areas or jumps that might be spooky for your pony, as well as distances between fences and the lines you’re planning to ride.

Maybe there are corners you can cut in the jump-off phase, or lines that require you to push on to get the perfect stride – either way, knowing how to ride each part of the course will set you up for success.

Discover more of Meg’s showjumping tips in March PONY – pick up your copy today!