Adapting the amplitude of the horse’s stride for a succession of jumps

Definitions

Amplitude

Amplitude is the length of a stride, i.e the distance between one leg striking the ground twice in succession. It is therefore measured in metres (m).

Tempo or rhythm

Tempo is the frequency of one leg striking the ground (also referred to as frequency of strides).  In other words it’s the number of strides over a given period of time. It is usually expressed in strides per minute (strides/min) and can be measured with a metronome.

Speed

Speed is the distance covered in a given period of time. Speed is usually measured in meters per second (m/s) or in kilometers per hour (km/h). In equestrian sports the reference unit is the number of meters per minute (m/min).

What is the link between amplitude, tempo and speed?

Amplitude - Tempo - Speed… 3 distinct, but closely linked parameters!

Therefore speed varies with regard to the other two parameters (amplitude and tempo). To go faster, the following are possible:

• Either increase amplitude by lengthening the stride – the longer the stride, the more distance will be covered over a given period of time.
• Or increase tempo, while keeping the same length of stride.
• Or seek to increase both at the same time.

For the rider

Adapting the amplitude of the horse’s strides over a succession of jumps requires of the rider to be able to control the horse’s pace, and to adapt his balance to that of the horse, while steering the horse to get the best possible approach to a fence, so as to optimize the jump. The final aim is to develop the rider’s ability to react quickly and effectively in order to handle any type of line on a show-jumping course with regard to:

• Distances
• The horse’s stride/ tempo.  
• The table of the class.
• The profile of the fence (upright, oxer or spread fence, water jump, triple bar...)

For the horse

This exercise teaches the horse to transfer his weight to his haunches and to be balanced, all the while maintaining tempo and activity. It promotes muscle development of the hindquarters through gymnastic grid work, and improves jumping technique.

On a straight line place a small vertical, an oxer, and another small vertical, all 23m apart (see diagram below). This distance is adapted for working inside (indoor arena) and planned for 6 strides between each fence on a normal canter stride. Depending on the horse and on where the session is carried out, the distance can be modified (slightly longer distances if working outside).

During warm-up, check that you can control the amplitude of the canter stride on the flat. Train over ground poles by varying the number of strides between poles. For a 6 stride distance, take the horse over the poles several times in 6 strides (both track to the left and to the right!). When the horse is nicely balanced, light on the bit and in a rhythmical canter, try for 7 or 8 strides, then for 5 or even 4 strides between the poles.

Instructions

Start by jumping the line in working canter (6 strides – 6 strides in this example) and maintain a regular amplitude. To do so, use the horse’s reference amplitude as a guideline, i.e his natural/ basic/ normal canter stride. Make sure you jump in the middle of and perpendicular to the fence, and keep looking ahead.

uccess criteria to be observed by the trainer

• Respecting  the number of strides (6 – 6).
• Regular amplitude and tempo before and after the middle jump => constant speed (no acceleration, or loss of activity).
• Good quality contact (regular soft contact between hand and mouth) so that the horse jumps in a relaxed attitude.
• Fluidity, ease of execution of the exercise

Problems encountered and solutions: Last stride a bit too short

Even when the distance is the same, it always appears shorter between the second and third fence as the horse covers the oxer with a wider trajectory. There is a chance that you will end up too close to the last vertical and have trouble getting the last stride in. To avoid this, anticipate! Think about what you need to do between the second and third jumps before you actually jump the second one, and straighten up as soon as the horse lands in order to get a perfect place over the third jump.

Instructions

This time, you will be trying for shorter strides to jump the line in 7 strides – 7 strides. It is easier to start by shortening strides before lengthening than the other way round. Everything that happens in the line should be a result of what was implemented beforehand. Adding a stride between the second and third jumps, even though the distance always appears shorter, will require even more anticipation. Prepare the horse before you even enter the line, remain calm, keep looking ahead, and maintain as soft a contact as possible with the horse’s mouth.

Success criteria to be observed by the trainer

• Stride contract respected (7 – 7 )
• Amplitude before the first jump adapted to the demand in the line
• Regular amplitude and tempo, before and after the second jump => constant speed (no loss of activity or acceleration).
• Maintaining impulsion, activity and tempo, even if the stride must be shortened (make sure that the horse is not merely slowing down).
• Energetic, engaged and relaxed horse.

Problems encoutered and solutions: trouble in placing a 7th stride coming out of the line

As the oxer placed in the middle gives the horse more trajectory, reducing amplitude between the second and third jump adds an extra difficulty. Do not be overcome by the exercise, and resort to hanging onto or pulling on the horse’s mouth to get the seventh stride in at all costs. Too much hand would be detrimental to the quality of the jump, it is therefore important to anticipate. Do not be drawn into the line… On the contrary, straighten up and imagine a much bigger fence to clear, and that you have to give the horse the space to jump it correctly.

Instuctions

You will now ride the line in 7 strides – 6 strides, i.e shortening the stride between the first and second jump, and then lengthening between the second and third jump. As the oxer placed in the middle gives the horse more trajectory, it will be quite easy to handle 6 strides before the third jump without having to intervene too much.
Prepare the entry to the line and work on each stride. This is all about concentration, anticipation, and reactive quality when in the line.

Success criteria to be observed by the trainer

• Stride contract respected (7 -6).
• Sense of fluidity in the horse’s contact and balance.
• Constant speed after the final jump on a concentrated horse (no acceleration, or  disorder on landing).
• Lengthening of the stride in the second part if the line ≠  exaggerated acceleration.
• No deterioration in the horse’s balance (horse putting weight on the forehand, or chasing his balance).

Problems encountered and solutions: trouble shortening the stride after lengthening it as you come into the line

In addition to the trajectory the horse follows over the oxer, the speed on entering the line is also faster if the stride is lengthened. This therefore requires even more rider skill to increase the number of strides after the oxer. It all boils down to anticipation and concentration: adapt the first 6 strides, so that you’re working towards the 7 following strides. To obtain this, give the horse his head in the first strides after the first jump, then straighten up and bring him back in the 2 or 3 strides before the second jump. This means getting back into place quickly, so that the horse can too.  Straighten your back, and bring the horse’s poll up slightly to get him to re-balance.

• To be able to adapt the number of strides in a succession of jumps, the rider must be calm, concentrated and accurate.
• Propulsion and balance are vital whatever the chosen amplitude.
• Regularity of the canter is a sign that the horse is relaxed and listening to his rider.
• This is the basis for any variation in amplitude of the strides.
• Smoothness and ease in the execution of the exercise are the main criteria of success.