The BOX jump training exercise
British Team trainer taught me this exercise and BOY is it a good one!
This was introduced to me by Gill Watson on a young trainers scholarship in the 90s. I use it all the time in lessons and training as it instills so many important concepts including…
- Straightness
- Rhythm
- Balance
- Fluency
- Accuracy
- Thinking forwards
- Canter lead
- Jumping fitness
- Rhythm
- Balance
- Fluency
- Accuracy
- Thinking forwards
- Canter lead
- Jumping fitness
It’s a fabulous exercise that you can make as hard or easy as you want. Imagine each jump being 1.20m, and you need to land on the correct leg, jumping all 4 jumps in a different order twice in a row — it’s NOT easy. Jumping each jump slightly at an angle makes the horse that little bit more cautious and careful too. If your horse is prone to rushing then you can simply canter through the box without jumping. Do this a few times and he’ll soon stop anticipating.
This is me on Sophie Appleton 'Church's handsome 17.2hh KWPN ‘Hack Up Fred’ a few years back when bringing him back into work after some time off. He was with us for a number of months and I loved having him about the place.
Have you tried this exercise before?
