7. The
square exercise can really help in developing the turn to a show jump. It
challenges the ability to hold a straight line through a line of fences,
such as combinations and doubles, as well as controlling your take-off and
landing in the corresponding spot without drifting across the fence. The key to
this is all about the turn and approach to the fence.
- This exercise requires eight poles and one or two
jumps built at approximately 22m from the square.
- Build a square of poles with channels to go through
about 1.5m apart.
- Build the dimensions from outside pole to outside
pole at 20m for a younger horse, 18m for an intermediate horse and 16m for an
advanced horse.
- Develop the work in trot and canter until the
emphasis is on the three correct strides around each turn. For example, the 16m
square in canter should be three strides straight then three on the turn then
another three straight, etc.
- It should feel like hard work to begin with.
- Once this is developed, build a fence off two of
the lines so you can do the exercise on both reins.Put the fence at approximately 22m from the corner.
- You can add more fences to your line as you build
understanding and confidence in your horse. If you are riding on a good, stable
surface with enough room and a balanced horse, you can even set up another
square to ride back to.
- This training will develop the rider’s sense for a
really good turn and enhance the horse’s balance very quickly.
- It is not easy as it
very much dictates your stride pattern, so it is an excellent exercise for
the rider who is too ‘stride-focused’.
Illustrations
by Peter Liddiard
