DOG LEGS

Dog-legs are two fences set at the ends of a curve and can often be found on showjumping courses. Each fence is meant to be approached on a straight line BUT, with a reasonably tight space between them, it’s sometimes tempting to jump both on an angle instead (NOTE - this is risky!)

Find out how to build and ride dog-legs to help you achieve an awesome clear round in the ring.

BUILD IT

Start by placing a single pole slightly off the outside track between K and E. Next, lay another pole over the centre line on the short diagonal between E and M.

TOP TIP

You’ll need to turn quite quickly after the second fence, so make sure you sit up as soon as you land, ready to make the turn.

STRAIGHT AND NARROW

Think about the dog-leg as two straight lines. In this exercise, they’re down the long side and across the short diagonal. It’s a great idea to walk the dog-leg to find the point at which you’ll need to turn towards the second fence. From there, you can work out how many canter strides your pony will make before the turn and how many it’ll take to get to the second jump.

BREAKING IT DOWN

Riding a dog-leg takes a little practice, but there’s no reason you won’t be able to do it. Here’s how to get started:

1. In trot, turn down the long side just off the outside track and ride over the first pole.

2. Continue straight, but look towards your second obstacle to prepare for the turn.

3. When you reach the turning point you planned earlier, use your inside rein and outside leg to turn onto the short diagonal.

4. Look up and over the second obstacle, then continue on the straight line over the pole.

When you’re ready, try it in canter. Keep the two lines as straight as possible and focus on maintaining a forward yet steady rhythm throughout. Remember that the turn needs to be really accurate as well, so use plenty of outside leg to stop your pony from falling out through his shoulder.

Eventually, you can raise the poles into fences. Always ride to the centre of each pole, as this means you’ll have plenty of time to make the turn and are more likely to stay on the correct line.

NOTE

Keep the fences small to begin with so that you can focus on riding the dog-leg correctly.

COMPLICATING IT ALL

Once you’re confident about riding through this version of the dog-leg, there are a few ways you can make it tougher. Here’s how:

• Try riding it in the other direction. The approach from the M marker will be shorter, so prepare your pace and keep your leg on.

• Bring the jumps closer together. Stick to at least four canter strides between the fences (two on each straight line).

• Make the angle more acute. Move the first fence closer to the centre line to create a tighter and trickier angle.

TOP TIP

Remember, you can always add a circle between the two fences to give you time to settle your pony’s pace and find the perfect line.

QUICK FIX

The most common problem you’ll have is not getting your turn quite right. This can happen if you leave it too late, make it too early or lose your pony’s shoulder and approach the second fence out of balance.

While you’re getting the hang of dog-legs, an easy solution is to use guide poles after the first fence to keep you straight until the turn and then on the short diagonal to guide you to the second fence. You could even set up wide V-poles on the second fence to help you aim for the centre of the pole – but make sure you practice these without the dog-leg element to make sure your pony feels confident.

TOP TIP

Don’t forget to stay totally straight on the approach to the first fence. This will set you up to make a balanced turn to the second fence!