OFF THE
GRID
Make schooling extra fun by having a go at gridwork
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ridwork’s when you school your fave pony over poles and fences set out in a line. As well as being loads of fun, it can help improve his jumping technique and your confidence, all at the same time! Plus, you can make it as easy or as challenging as you want, so it’s something ponies and riders of any level can try.
Feel the benefit
One of the great things about gridwork is you don’t have to worry about meeting a fence on the correct stride, as it’s all worked out for you! Each fence or pole will have been set out to give your pony the best chance of meeting it perfectly. All you need to do is keep him straight and moving forward with lots of energy! Gridwork has loads of benefits for your pony, too, and it’ll help improve his... l rhythm l balance l athleticism l reaction time l shape over a fence
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You need hands
If you and your pony are new to gridwork, you should only try it with someone experienc ed, such as your instructor, who can stride out the distances. If you want to have a go in betw een lessons, ask them to show you how to set up a grid for your pony, but you’ll still need a helpe r to adjust the poles and fences as you ride.
Top tip
Always warm your pony rt up thoroughly at the sta p jum and n, sio ses h of eac a few warm-up fences before asking him to go through a grid.
Stride guide
ed on a These distances are bas y need ma y the 14.2hh pony and r you on ing end dep , adjusting ... gth len ide str y’s pon l trotting poles: 1.2m 2.7m l placing pole from trot: : 3m ter can m fro e pol g l placin 6m : ide str one l l two strides: 10m l bounce: 3m
Jump to it
You can create a basic grid with just a few poles and a pair of jump wings, but you’ll need more equipment if you want to add in extra elements. If your yard’s short of kit, why not hire a venue that has loads of jumps and get your instructor to meet you there?
Top tip
Before you ride, set out the jump stands in the position you’ll want them to be. Then your helper can just add in the poles to build up your grid.
Top tip
Keep thin gs easy fo your pony r to start w ith by including low cross -poles in your grid . You can increase the heigh t graduall y as he bec omes more confident.
Exercise 1 C
Super simple
This is a perfect introduction to grids because it just involves a few trot poles and a small jump – or two!
Set it up
H
2.7m
1.2m
E
Start with a line of four or five trotting poles, set approx 1.2m apart. K Have a pair of jump stands and two poles at the side of the arena, ready to create your grid.
M
B
F
A
How to ride it Trot over the poles three or four times, guiding your pony over the middle of each one. Then add in a low cross-pole, 2.7m from the last trotting pole. Approach in trot again, keeping everything the same and letting the poles create the rhythm, so your pony pops neatly over the fence.
Build it up You can add in another cross-pole 6m after the first one. Then mix things up by removing all but one trot pole – just keep the one that’s closest to the first cross-pole.
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IT’S Top tip
Why not ask your yard or riding school to organise a winter show? You’ll be able to enjoy all the fun of competing without needing to travel anywhere!
Get out competing with your fave pony this winter
S
hows don’t stop when summer ends, and there are loads of opportunities to compete your fave pony over the winter. It’s a great way to make the cold, dark months loads more fun for both of you!
Out and about
Forget any plans to hibernate just because it’s a bit chilly! Competing through the winter has loads of benefits, including... l having something to aim for will keep you motivated all winter long l your pony will enjoy a change of scene l you can squeeze in some useful practice before the summer show season l it’s another opportunity to exercise your pony, especially if you don’t have a school to ride in l you’ll be competing on a surface, so you won’t have to worry about hard ground or slippery conditions
BE PREPARED
Packing all the right essent ials will make winter competing a breeze. For your pony cooler rug, to keep him war m when he’s at the lorry or trailer – use one tha t’ll double up as a travel rug lightweight turnout or rain sheet, in case it’s a wet day exercise sheet for warming-u p and waiting in between rounds hi-vis clothing, to wear in the parking area if it gets dark Don’t leave home For yourself without a fully charged waterproof, warm coat mobile phone, plus padded gilet you can pop ove a torch and spare r your show jacket batteries. pair of tights to wear under your competition breeches
Top tip
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Top tip
Don’t forget to cool down your pony after your class, too. Head back into the warm-up area and walk him around until his breathing’s returned to normal.
Fit to go
Keeping your pony fit over winter can be a challenge, but having competition goals can motivate you to keep on top of his fitness regime. If you struggle to find time to ride after school, consider asking your yard manager to lunge him for 20mins, two or three times a week.
Inner space
Winter warmer
Competing at this time of year doesn’t have to be any different from going to shows in summer. But if it’s a chilly day your pony may need longer to warm up, so factor this in when working out what time you’ll need to arrive at the venue. It can help to pop an exercise sheet over his quarters when you first get on – choose one you can remove easily, without having to take off your saddle. Put it back on between rounds or classes, too, especially if you’ll be doing lots of standing around.
on. It's a great idea to hire You can stay out of a venue before you the wet and cold – compete there, so at least for some you can get your of the time – pony used to all Why not enter an online by choosing a the sights and competition? There are venue with an sounds. Don’t classes for dressage and indoor arena. forget, though, showing, and you just However, that things will need to send in a video some ponies be different on of you riding. find being a show day, as indoors spooky, there’ll be more which can distract going on. So, you’ll them from the jumps need to ride positively, or dressage moves they’re and reassure him to help him supposed to be focusing stay relaxed.
Top tip
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