09/01/2026
6 strides or 7? đ
Two poles. One exercise. Two very different lessons.
Set two poles on the ground at a distance where your horse can comfortably make 6 strides.
âĄď¸ Ride for 6: Think forward. Allow the stride to open while maintaining rhythm, balance, and straightness.
âĄď¸ Ride for 7: Think collect. Shorten the stride without slowing the canter or losing impulsion.
The goal isnât to rush for 6 or pull for 7.
Itâs learning to adjust the stride while keeping the canter balanced, powerful, and organized.
This is such a useful exercise for jumping horses because the same skill applies between the fences: sometimes we need more step, sometimes we need more collection â but we always want the horse in front of the leg and connected to the contact.
Try it both ways and see which one your horse finds easier. Then you know exactly what you need to work on. đ´
6 = forward
7 = collection
Both = adjustability.
Save this one for your next jumping-school day!