Learn to jump bigger fences with Meg Elphick

Upping the height of the fences you jump can be a really scary prospect – even if you’re sure it’s what you want to do! I find jumping bigger fences quite daunting, too, so I use gridwork to help me feel more confident. Here’s my tried and tested layout to help you tackle bigger jumps.

Build it

I start by setting out four poles, with one canter stride (2.7–3m) between the first two, then one jumping stride between the last ones (6.1–7.3m). Pop a pair of wings and a spare pole either side of the second, third and fourth poles – with an extra set of wings by the fourth – ready to build into fences later on.

Step one

Build the second pole into a small cross-pole – keeping it low to start with. Trot your pony around the corner and towards the grid. Keep your shoulders up and your legs on to encourage him forwards. The first pole will help you find the perfect stride and your pony should pick up canter as he pops over it.

Check out the next steps in June PONY mag, on sale 4 May 2022.