Performance progression: single fences

It’s time to put the principles of jumping that we’ve been working on in the last two issues into practice with single fences! This might seem easy peasy, but getting it correct is harder than you might think and refining these skills will make a huge difference to your overall jumping success, so it’s worth putting in the work now! Here’s how…

Set it up

You’ll need six poles and a pair of wings for this exercise. You can set it up anywhere in your arena, but I recommend starting with it on one of the three-quarter lines. Set up a cross-pole or small upright near B or E and then place two poles on the ground either side of the fence – each one 3m apart, depending on your pony’s stride length. Once you’ve jumped a simple fence a few times confidently, you can up the ante by adding fillers or changing it to an oxer.

TOP TIP

Remember to adjust the distances between the poles accordingly when you increase the fence height.

Did you know?

If your pony rushes into fences, get him checked by your vet in case it’s because he’s sore. If he has the all clear, this exercise will give him lots to think about, which will help slow him down into the perfect rhythm.

Rider tips

Even though you’re only jumping a single fence, try to keep everything about your position and aids the same as when you were jumping the grid. So, look around the turn to prepare and find your line, then maintain straightness through your pony’s body by channelling him between your hands and legs.

Find out more of Ellie’s top jumping tips in May PONY – pick up your copy today!