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How to Win a Jump-Off

What does it take to win the jump-off? Photo Credit: Canva Pro

How do you feel about jump-offs? As all showjumpers know, the goal is to get through the course as quickly as possible without knocking down any fences. The pair with the fewest faults and the fastest time earns the top spot on the podium.

Some combinations are naturally quick and know exactly how to shave off those critical seconds. Others have to work a little harder for it. Regardless of how high you and your horse are jumping, here are five tips to help you master any jump-off – and win it!

READ ALSO: Equestrian Sport in Transition – The New Era!


1. Know your horse – and train

When planning your strategy for a jump-off, it’s essential to truly know your horse. What are its strengths, and where does it struggle? Some horses excel at picking up and slowing down their pace quickly, while others are better at sharp turns and taking fences from tricky angles. Focus on developing your horse’s natural strengths and practicing the areas where it needs improvement before heading to a competition.

By the time you reach a jump-off, it’s too late to start figuring out your horse’s abilities. Training at home is crucial to understanding its strengths and weaknesses.

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2. Establish rhythm

Maintaining rhythm during a jump-off can be a real challenge. The pressure to go fast often disrupts balance, leading to faults like knocked rails. Additionally, losing rhythm slows your overall pace.

In other words, it’s not just about speed. If you watch the world’s best riders, you’ll notice they don’t let their horses attack the fences at full tilt – yet they still win. They approach the fences at a controlled pace that minimizes faults, only accelerating between obstacles. Achieving this balance between forward and controlled riding requires excellent awareness and, of course, plenty of practice at home.


3. Make a plan

Winning a jump-off rarely happens without a solid plan. By carefully mapping out every detail of your round, you can identify where to push for speed and where to hold back.

Even though speed is crucial, the distances between fences and your horse’s takeoff points must be tailored to the height, width, and placement of each jump. When planning your approach to each obstacle, always think ahead to ensure a smooth line to the next. In this sense, a jump-off turns you into a strategist as much as a rider.

READ ALSO: The Horse’s Physique: What to Check Before Buying a New Horse


4. Maintain control

Most showjumping horses get extra fired up during a jump-off. They can often sense from their rider’s cues that it’s time to go all out. The risk here is that your horse may take over, becoming too eager and losing control.

A jump-off is the ultimate test of whether your horse listens to you. While it’s great if your horse is excited to go fast, it’s equally important that it respects your aids and stays attentive to the course. Only when your horse responds to your guidance can you teach it to use its energy intelligently, focusing on precision rather than just speed.


5. Be realistic and build success

It’s crucial that both you and your horse stay motivated and confident. Avoid setting yourself up for too many defeats in jump-offs. If you find yourselves consistently at the bottom of the rankings, it might be time to reassess your expectations.

Sometimes, lowering your ambitions temporarily can lead to long-term success. Success breeds success, and positive experiences build motivation. By competing at a level you’re well-prepared for, you increase the likelihood of a good result, which boosts confidence for both you and your horse. With more positive experiences under your belt, you’ll feel ready to challenge yourselves at a higher level. Confidence is key to top performance – for both horse and rider!

READ ALSO: Steve Guerdat: A Swiss Showjumping Legend

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