skip to Main Content
Frontend Blog Featured Image

How to Improve Your Horse’s Front End and Jumping Technique

Featured Image Credit (CC): Carterse on Flickr

Submitted by member: Lucy

I do the high junior jumpers and sometimes my horse will drop his front end at verticals. Is there anything I can do to improve his front end and jumping technique?

Answer by Bernie

I love bounces for improving the front end. You can start with a simple bounce, two low verticals about 12′ apart.  Once comfortable set 3 and 4 low verticals same distance apart. If he is responds well I have a really great gymnastic on EquestrianCoach.com called “The Winkler.” It’s a bit more advanced but you will see on the topic how you can set it to trot in and make it easier for a less experienced horse.

My advice is to work on these bounces two to three times a week at low heights. Then blend them in to your normal schools as a reminder for his front end. It will take several months to improve it significantly but it’s worth it.

Video Recommendation:

improve your horses front end over jumps

The Winkler Gymnastic
Bernie Traurig
In this video, Bernie shares with you one of his favorite gymnastics designed to improve your horse’s agility, front end (technique), rhythm & balance.
Running Time: 10 minutes and 32 seconds

View Video

Have Something You Want to Ask Our Panel of Experts?

Ask The Experts is the ultimate way to get help from the top professionals in the equestrian industry without leaving the comfort of your home. This service is available to Monthly, Annual and Lifetime Members of EquestrianCoach.com.

Bernie Traurig

As a Horseman, Bernie is renowned for not only his riding talents but for his teaching and coaching gifts. As a competitor, Bernie has represented the United States Equestrian Team both at home and abroad on many occasions and reached the top of the sport in all 3 of the International Equestrian Olympic disciplines: Show Jumping, Dressage, and Eventing.After amassing 60 years worth of training and riding techniques and experiences with thousands of horses, Bernie is driven to give back to the sport that has given him so much fulfillment and success.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back To Top