Jump-offs can be great fun (with a smidge of stress) but just how do you make sure that you give your pony the best chance to shine in terms of speed and accuracy? Find out here…
1. Memorise, memorise
Memorise the jump-off track as well as you did the first course!
2. Assess the risk
Look at the track you would like to take to ride a shorter route, but don’t make it so risky that you might make a big mistake. A turn inside another fence gives you a shorter approach and will be more difficult. You’ll need to ride forward through those inside turns. A tight turn back to a spread fence requires more pace than to a vertical fence. Sometimes it may be better to choose to turn quicker once you have landed after the fence, which is lower risk.
3. All about angles
Look to see if taking an angle or line through the start or finish line would save some time. When taking an angle over a fence, remember to keep your inside rein contact closest to the fence and your outside leg on.
4. Beware of just 'going fast'
Often there’s at least one place on the track that allows you to go faster than in the first course, but it can be tricky to get back under control after a gallop. Sometimes it’s safer to take a tighter course at your original speed than to attempt a gallop. There is no point going so fast that you have to go wide to all the jumps or knock a pole. Rather take an economical track and remain in control.
5. Get off to a good start
Your warm-up could be the point at which you make or break your jump-off. Your pony can comfortably manage about 25 jumps in a day. After your initial warm-up and first course, your jump-off warm-up should include no more than six efforts or your pony will be too tired to jump at speed. Also, beware of warming up too early – you’ll need 8-10 horses ahead of you to warm up.
