I should start by saying that I don’t hate trot jumps, but boy, I used to. Don’t worry – you’ve got solidarity there. Honestly, I could never figure out why one would trot a jump when cantering one is just so much easier. Alas, as a trainer, I have to acknowledge the answer: because it’s great practice for both the horse and the rider. Also, medal class judges really love to throw a trot jump in the tests whenever they can, so we best all learn to embrace it.
Let’s break it down.
“In theory, once you perfect the trot jump, you will be so perfectly timed with your horse that whenever you go to a jump, you will be right there with your horse.”
That is the goal. And it’s one you’re going to reach (I promise).
1. Set a trot jump with adequate ground lines and a place a rail about 9’ from the base of the ground line. If you have a shorter or longer strided horse, set accordingly, but it’s better to set a little long than a little short, so the horse has the opportunity to use its knees and shoulders.
2. Pick up a rhythmic deliberate trot well in advance and project a straight line to your jump. Straightness is key.
3. Before the pole on the ground, melt into your horse’s back in what I like to call a 2.5 point – where you are both in a forward seat and connected to the saddle.
4. Grab mane if you need the extra balance, and let the horse do its job while you gently support with the calf.
5. When you think you’re done, finish your ride – ride away from the jump, through the turn, and then transition to a working walk.
When you become more sophisticated in your ride – such as when you’re in the work-off at medal finals – you will want to do a solid crest release, or, eventually do a soft and subtle automatic release over the jump (remember, trot jumps are usually on the small side).
“Practice, practice, practice. Practice is key, and there is really no substitute for it.”
Now go out there and conquer that trot jump like a boss. You got this.
Photos by Anasofia Vazquez.