Understanding how to measure strides between jumps is a must-have skill for riders, trainers, and anyone involved in jumping disciplines like hunters, eventing, and show jumping. Whether setting up a grid at home or walking a competitive course, knowing how many feet or paces make up a stride helps ensure your horse (or pony!) approaches each jump safely and confidently.
To measure strides between jumps, first walk the distance in 3-foot steps, then count each step to estimate the total distance, and then divide by 12 to determine the number of horse strides.
Why Stride Counting for Horse Jumps Matters
Stride counting for horse jumps is critical because horses and ponies have different natural stride lengths, and combinations or lines set incorrectly can lead to awkward takeoffs, chipping in, or long spots - all of which increase the risk of rails or refusals. Accurate measurement helps you adjust distances to suit your horse's rhythm and build confidence over fences.
Adjusting for Horse and Pony Differences
Ponies naturally have a shorter stride, so lines designed for horses can be too long for them. When setting courses or grids for ponies, reduce the distance in lines and combinations by about 2-3 feet per stride. This ensures ponies can stay in rhythm and meet the jumps comfortably.
Horse Jumping Strides Chart
Here’s a helpful chart breaking down the typical distances you should know when setting lines and combinations:
| Setup | Horse (ft / paces) | Pony (ft / paces) | Compromise (ft / paces) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bounce | 10–12 ft / 3–4 paces | 9–10 ft / 3 paces | 10–11 ft / 3–3.5 paces |
| 1-stride | 21–24 ft / 7–8 paces | 18–21 ft / 6–7 paces | 20–22 ft / 7 paces |
| 2-stride | 33–36 ft / 11–12 paces | 30–33 ft / 10–11 paces | 32–34 ft / 11 paces |
| 3-stride | 45–48 ft / 15–16 paces | 42–45 ft / 14–15 paces | 44–46 ft / 15 paces |
| 4-stride | 57–60 ft / 19–20 paces | 54–57 ft / 18–19 paces | 56–58 ft / 19 paces |
| 5-stride | 69–72 ft / 23–24 paces | 66–69 ft / 22–23 paces | 68–70 ft / 23 paces |
| 6-stride | 81–84 ft / 27–28 paces | 75–78 ft / 25–26 paces | 78–80 ft / 26–27 paces |
Placing Poles (in front of jump)
| Entrance Type | Horse (ft / paces) | Pony (ft / paces) | Compromise (ft / paces) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trot pole to jump | 8–9 ft / ~3 paces | 7–8 ft / ~2.5–3 paces | 8 ft / ~2.5–3 paces |
| Canter pole to jump | 9–10 ft / ~3 paces | 8–9 ft / ~2.5–3 paces | 9 ft / ~3 paces |
Note: Always allow for takeoff and landing room (about 6 feet each) when measuring lines between jumps.
How to Walk a Jump Course
When you walk a course, remember that your natural stride is about 3 feet. That means you need to walk four human paces to cover one horse stride (12 feet). For ponies, aim for 3.5 paces to match their typical 10-foot stride.
Here's a simple method:
- Walk the distance between jumps.
- Divide by 12 (horse) or 10 (pony) to get the number of strides.
- Remember to factor in takeoff and landing when setting or walking lines.
How to Walk a Jump Course
- Not walking the line fully: Always walk the full distance between jumps, not just eyeballing.
- Ignoring the takeoff/landing: This extra 6 feet on each side matters, especially in tight combinations.
- Assuming all horses have the same stride: Adjust for smaller horses or green horses with shorter steps.
- Over- or under-setting for ponies: Make sure pony distances are calculated correctly to avoid stretching or chipping.
Measuring strides between jumps is more than just numbers - it’s about understanding your horse or pony, setting fair and safe distances, and building trust over every fence. Whether you’re practicing at home or walking your next show course, take the time to measure properly, and you’ll see smoother, more confident rounds.
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