Treble trouble

Posted in Jumping

Learn how to jump trebles perfectly with our awesome tips!

Depending on the level you compete at, you might come across a treble in your showjumping course but they’re also a form of gridwork so are super-handy when training! 

Trebles can help improve your pony’s strength, athleticism and jumping technique – as well as the confidence of both of you! So why not check out our top tips and give them a go in your next jumping sesh? 

Set it up

You’ll need at least six poles and six wings to create a treble. You could include fillers or an oxer if you want, but it’s best to start with a simple layout if you’ve never jumped a treble before. 

In this exercise, we’re focusing on one-stride distances, so set each fence 6.1–7.3m apart. 

Did you know?

A treble is a combination of three fences on a straight line. Each fence is one or two strides apart.

Placed poles

Once you’ve warmed up, ride through the treble in both directions, with the poles laid on the ground, to get your pony familiar with the exercise. Have a go in all three paces, remembering that the distances will be slightly longer than one canter stride, so try to focus on maintaining a consistent rhythm.

Criss-cross

Next, set up a cross-pole on the middle set of wings and have a go at jumping it on both reins. Once you feel confident, add in the other two, one at a time. Be sure to keep the heights low to begin with, though. 

Straight up

Cross-poles will help guide your pony to the centre of each jump, plus they’re more inviting for him, which is why they’re a good way to start this exercise. 

Having a clear point to aim for in the middle will encourage you to stay super-straight – this is key to jumping trebles because if your pony starts to drift to one side, he will find the distances more difficult.

Focus on keeping your weight and rein contact even to help channel your pony along the perfect line through the fences. 

Did you know?

In a showjumping course, the fences in a treble will be labelled A, B and C.

Ready for landing

It’s really important that you sit tall between each jump. If you lean forward, you’ll put more weight onto your pony’s shoulders, which means he’ll struggle to bascule neatly over the fences and jump clear. Plus, it’ll disrupt his balance and he’ll find it harder to maintain a good rhythm. Avoid sitting back down in the saddle, though – instead, bring your shoulders up and back, and stay in a light seat to allow your pony to move freely underneath you. 

Eyes on the prize

Looking up while riding through a treble is essential for helping your pony jump through clear because it will also affect your weight distribution and balance. As you make the turn towards the first fence, focus on where you need to be to set up your pony on a straight approach, then look up past the last fence as you ride through the combination. Try not to look down at each jump, as you might cause your pony to drop his shoulder, which could lead to a refusal.

Ride the rhythm 

A good showjumping round stems from a positive canter rhythm, and the same applies when it comes to jumping trebles. Before approaching the combination, establish a punchy canter around the arena and keep your leg on throughout the treble to maintain the power and momentum. It can be really helpful to count the strides out loud, too! 

Did you know? 

Trebles, and other gridwork layouts, are a great tool to help build your confidence jumping bigger fences.

Building up

When you feel confident jumping through a treble of cross-poles, you can start to incorporate different types of fences. Uprights, oxers, fillers or even skinnies – there are loads of variations you can do to boost your skills even further. Plus, your pony will love the challenge – just be sure to build up slowly to avoid knocking your confidence. 

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