Question 1

How can I stop knocking down poles in show jumping?

Accepted Answer

Knocking poles usually stems from several factors: rider position (getting ahead or behind the movement), pace issues (too fast or too slow), poor line or distance, or lack of horse carefulness. I address all these areas through systematic training—improving your position, developing better rhythm, teaching you to see distances, and using gymnastic exercises to improve your horse's technique and carefulness. Consistent, correct training produces cleaner rounds.

Question 2

What is grid work and how does it help?

Accepted Answer

Grid work (also called gymnastic jumping) involves a series of fences set at specific distances that guide the horse through without rider interference. Grids develop better bascule (the horse's jumping arc), improve adjustability, strengthen muscles, build confidence, and teach horses to think and react quickly. For riders, grids improve timing, strengthen position, and develop feel. I use progressive grid exercises as a foundation for all show jumping training.

Question 3

How do I learn to see distances to jumps?

Accepted Answer

Seeing distances comes from developing rhythm, understanding stride length, and gaining experience. I teach riders to establish consistent rhythm first, then gradually develop distance awareness through progressive exercises. Counting strides, working over ground poles, riding related distances, and analysing courses all contribute. Most importantly, I teach you to trust your horse's rhythm and avoid micromanaging—good rhythm produces good distances more reliably than trying to 'find' every stride.

Question 4

Do you teach show jumping at all levels?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I coach show jumping from beginner to advanced international levels. Whether you're just learning to jump small fences or competing at championship level, the training principles remain consistent—sound position, good rhythm, straight lines, and systematic progression. I tailor exercises and fence heights to match your current ability while building skills for future advancement.

Question 5

Can show jumping lessons help with eventing?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Show jumping is one of the three eventing phases. Good show jumping skills directly improve your eventing results by reducing penalties in the jumping phase and developing the adjustability, technique, and confidence needed for cross country. Many of my show jumping clients are eventers looking to improve their jumping scores and build skills that translate across all phases.

Question 6

What if my horse rushes or gets anxious about jumping?

Accepted Answer

Rushing and anxiety often stem from tension, confusion, or past experiences. I address these issues systematically through building confidence with simpler exercises, establishing better rhythm and relaxation, using polework and grids to develop calmness, and ensuring the horse understands what's expected. Patience, consistency, and correct training transform anxious jumpers into confident partners. The key is building positive experiences and never rushing the training process.

Question 7

How do I walk a show jumping course effectively?

Accepted Answer

Course walking is a crucial skill I teach all competitive riders. It involves analysing each fence, planning your lines and turns, counting strides in related distances, identifying potential problems, and creating a riding plan. I teach you to walk like a professional—understanding jump design, terrain, footing, and how to set up each fence for success. Good course walking directly improves competition results.

Question 8

What's the difference between show jumping and cross country jumping?

Accepted Answer

Show jumping uses colourful, moveable fences in an enclosed arena, ridden at a controlled pace with precision and accuracy prioritised. Cross country uses fixed natural obstacles across varying terrain, ridden at speed with boldness and trust emphasised. However, both require good technique, rider position, and horse training. Skills developed in show jumping—rhythm, straightness, adjustability—directly benefit cross country performance. I coach both disciplines for well-rounded training.

Question 9

How often should I have show jumping lessons?

Accepted Answer

Lesson frequency depends on your goals, budget, and schedule. Competitive riders often train weekly or more frequently leading up to competitions. Amateur riders may prefer fortnightly or monthly sessions. I work with riders at all frequencies, ensuring each lesson builds on previous training and provides exercises to practice between sessions. Consistency matters more than frequency—regular lessons, even if spaced apart, produce better results than intensive bursts followed by long gaps.

Question 10

Can I improve my jumping without jumping every session?

Accepted Answer

Definitely! Too much jumping can cause physical stress and mental sourness. I incorporate polework, flatwork, and gymnastic exercises that develop jumping skills without constant jumping. Dressage training improves balance and adjustability. Polework strengthens technique and rhythm. Grid work provides maximum benefit with minimal physical stress. This varied approach produces better jumpers while keeping horses fresh, sound, and enthusiastic.

Show Jumping

Expert Show Jumping Coaching in Oxfordshire

Training Focus

Improve Your Show Jumping Today

What We Cover

Rider Position

Horse Technique

Course Strategy

Mental Game

Training Benefits

Clear Rounds

Confidence Building

Progressive Training

Training Approach

Grid Work & Gymnastics

Technical Courses

Course Walking

Mental Preparation

Frequently Asked Questions

Jump Clear and Confident