From the Arena

FIELD NOTES

Course design guides, stride math references, and training resources for riders and trainers.

Course Design

How to Design a Show Jumping Course: Track, Distances, and Flow

The full course design workflow - reading the arena, building flow, placing the first fence and combinations, the stride math in feet and meters, difficulty by level, and jump-off design.

June 7, 20269 min read
Stride Math

Stride Math for Show Jumping: The Complete Distance Guide (Feet and Meters)

The 12 ft canter stride, the takeoff-plus-landing formula, every related distance from one to six strides in feet and meters, how to walk a line on foot, and how to adjust for the horse in front of you.

June 7, 20269 min read
Training

Gymnastic Grid Distances: How to Set Up Grid Exercises for Horses

The distances gymnastic grids actually run on - trot poles, the trot-in, bounces, one-strides and two-strides in feet and meters, plus how to build the line and adjust it for any horse.

June 7, 20268 min read
Competition

How to Walk a Show Jumping Course: Count Strides and Read the Track

The course walk decides the round before you canter to fence one. How to calibrate your step, count strides in feet and meters, read each fence, and walk the jump-off.

June 7, 20268 min read
Arena Setup

Show Jumping Arena Dimensions: FEI, USEF, and Schooling Ring Sizes in Feet and Meters

FEI international minimums, USEF and USHJA competition ring sizes, common schooling dimensions in feet and meters, warm-up ring requirements, and how the space you have shapes the course you can build.

June 7, 20269 min read
Stride Math

Pony Stride Chart: Show Jumping Distances for Small, Medium & Large Ponies

Baseline canter strides for small, medium, and large ponies, the conversion from any horse distance, related-distance tables in feet and meters, and how to measure your own pony.

July 4, 20268 min read
Stride Math

Bending Lines in Show Jumping: How to Measure and Ride the Arc

A bending line is measured along the track you ride, not point to point. How to walk the arc, add or remove a stride, and choose between the direct and bending track.

July 4, 20267 min read
Stride Math

Show Jumping Related Distances Chart: One to Six Strides in Feet and Meters

The full related-distance reference from one to six strides in feet and meters, the difference between a related distance and a combination, oxer and footing adjustments, and how to ride a line forward or steady.

July 4, 20269 min read
Training

Stride Adjustment Exercises for Show Jumping: Lengthen and Shorten the Canter

Adjustability is what makes stride math rideable. Pole exercises that teach lengthening and shortening on a fixed distance, with feet and meters and a schooling plan.

July 4, 20268 min read
Course Design

Jump-Off Strategy: How to Ride a Faster Show Jumping Round Without Rails

Jump-offs are won in the turns, not the gallop - planning the shortest track, when the inside turn pays, leaving out a stride safely, landing on the correct lead, and when to gallop.

July 4, 20268 min read