5 jumping exercises to improve accuracy and jumping line
To improve your lines when jumping, you need to work on four elements: your focus (anticipating the next obstacle), your rhythm (maintaining a regular canter through the turns), straightness (approaching and leaving each jump straight) and the precision of your aids in the turns. The 5 show-jumping exercises below work on these points, from straight lines to sequences on curved lines. Each one is explained step by step, with its diagram.
Why aren’t your lines precise?
A good line is determined well before the obstacle. Here are the most common causes:
Your focus does not follow the course / comes too late: If you only look at the next obstacle as you come out of the turn, you turn too late and approach at an angle.
Your rhythm varies through the turns: A horse that accelerates or slows down while turning widens or tightens its curve, and the line deteriorates.
The horse is not straight: If it changes leads, falls onto one shoulder... it no longer follows the planned line and no longer jumps the obstacle straight, in the centre.
The rider’s aids are imprecise: Too much inside rein makes the horse fall into the turn, not enough inside leg...
The course line has not been planned. Without having memorised the course and the precise line to follow, you risk being carried along by the line instead of creating it.
1. Exercise to work on precision on your jumping course: The six cross-rails
Objective
Improve straightness, the centre of the jump and balance on a line of cross-rails.
Why it is useful
Cross-rails are highly effective for working on precision and helping the horse jump right in the centre of the obstacle.
How to do it
Set up six cross-rails as shown in the diagram.
Approach at a canter, straight, guiding your horse correctly from your inside leg towards the outside rein.
Aim to maintain a regular rhythm before and after the jumps.
Tip: concentrate on your position (look ahead, shoulders aligned), as the rider’s balance helps the horse stay straight and shape its curves.
Exercise sheet : https://appaloo-equestrian.fr/fr/obstacle/les-six-croises
2. Keeping your horse straight and regular between two obstacles: the straight-line exercise
Objective
Develop a precise track between 2 obstacles.
How to do it
Place three cross-rails or small obstacles on a line, with a minimum of 4 strides between them.
Between each obstacle, ask for a turn or a small circle.
Perform the exercise at the trot at first, before doing it at the canter.
You can gradually increase the number of obstacles.
Our tip: Make sure you maintain a regular rhythm. This is often what can compromise your tracks and curves.
Exercise sheet: https://appaloo-equestrian.fr/fr/obstacle/ligne-directrice
3. Working on curves and turns over fences with the exercise: Le Ballon
Objective
Improve direction and precision on curved lines
Why it is relevant
This exercise involves jumping a series of fences in a loop around cones. This session enables the rider to visualize the lines, keep the horse active through the curves, and work on curved lines.
How to do it
Set up 3 fences and cones to form small loops as shown in the diagram.
At the canter, jump the first fence.
Ride between the cones, work on your curved line, then head towards the second fence.
Repeat, alternating left and right directions to keep the horse balanced.
Info: Pay attention to the lead on which your horse lands. If the landing is on the left lead, jump the fence on the left, and vice versa.
Exercise sheet: https://appaloo-equestrian.fr/fr/obstacle/le-ballon-1
4. Turning neatly around a show-jumping course: La Maison exercise
Objective
Work on the horse’s ability to turn neatly between several obstacles and extend the session’s track.
What it develops
The horse’s responsiveness to the aids.
The ability to regain the correct line after a jump.
Overall balance
Tip: If the turns are too tight at first, you can go farther (if the size of your arena allows it).
Exercise sheet: https://appaloo-equestrian.fr/fr/obstacle/la-maison
5. Steering during a jumping course: working on smooth lines
Objective
With only 4 obstacles, these exercises allow you to work on several trajectories: doubles, curved lines, and even angled approaches.
What it works on
- Fluidity between jumps and the ability to stay on a logical trajectory.
- The ability to manage distances between obstacles (for example, 5 strides = ~20 m).
- Mental control and anticipation of the aids.
How to do it
- Set up 4 obstacles, a double line and an angled line, as shown in the diagram.
- Work on each segment separately: first on a straight line, then on a curve, and finally at an angle.
- The cones help guide you, but you can remove them to finish the exercise without visual assistance.
Best practice: Once all the approaches have been mastered, you can then work on a course.
Exercise sheet: https://appaloo-equestrian.fr/fr/obstacle/diriger-lors-dun-enchainement-de-sauts
Take Your Training Further with Appaloo Equestrian
By regularly working on these five exercises, you will gain greater precision in your lines and more consistent rhythm, resulting in smoother, cleaner rounds.
Discover all our jumping exercises, which can be filtered according to your level and equipment.
The Appaloo Equestrian app provides detailed instructions for each of these exercises, as well as training programmes written by professional coaches to help you plan your sessions and track your progress.
FAQ: Improving Your Lines When Jumping
How can I turn correctly between two jumps?
Look at the next jump as soon as you land, maintain the same rhythm through the turn and turn with your eyes, body weight and outside rein rather than pulling on the inside rein.
Why doesn't my horse jump over the centre of the fence?
Most often, this is due to a lack of straightness on the approach or a poorly prepared line through the preceding turn. Exercises over cross-poles, such as the six cross-poles, can help the horse find the centre again.
Should I work on my lines at the trot or canter?
Start at the trot to establish the line and aids, then move on to the canter once the line is understood.
How do I know whether my line is correct?
Count your strides between two jumps: if the number of strides is consistent from one attempt to the next, your line and rhythm are regular.
Are these exercises suitable for a young horse?
Yes, over very low fences and starting with straight lines (six cross-poles, guideline). Tighter turns and combinations can be introduced later.