Tall Approach — Placing Pole

Eliminate the habit of jumping ahead by forcing the rider to maintain a tall upper body until the horse closes the hip angle.

Set a placing pole 9 feet (one stride) in front of a small vertical (2'6" to 3'). Approach in working canter.

1. 01Establish a quality canter on a 20m circle before entering the line.
2. 02Pick a focal point above the fence and keep eyes on it through the entire approach.
3. 03Through the placing pole, count out loud: 'one — JUMP.'
4. 04Hold a tall sternum until you feel the horse leave the ground.
5. 05Do 6–10 repetitions each direction.

• Dropping the chest forward to 'help' the horse jump.
• Looking down at the placing pole.
• Releasing the rein 1 stride too early.

You feel the horse close your hip — you do not close it for them.