Jumping on the diagonal

Fancy trying something new and working on your jumping technique at the same time? Have a go at our change the rein jumping exercise!

Set it up

You can use any jump (or combination of jumps!) you’d like in this exercise. All you need to do is set them up on both long diagonals. You could start with a single fence on each line then add in another to make a bounce or double later on.

Even approach

You don’t have to ride this exercise as a figure of eight loop, you can break it up by riding a circle or focus on one line to start with, but it’s important to ride it on both diagonals. If you only use one diagonal, say from H to F, you’ll always be approaching from the left rein, even if you ride it in the other direction, from F to H. So, adding a jump or two along the M to K diagonal means you’ll approach on the right rein, too, and work your pony more evenly.

Top tip

If you’re struggling to meet the perfect take-off spot, change the line you are approaching on. Use the space wisely, but remember you don’t have to stay on the outside track until the last second – turning slightly earlier can make all the difference!

Find out how to ride this exercise in February PONY – out now!