Grid Work Lines to Prepare Your Horses This Winter ❄️

Winter training plays an essential role in preparing horses. This period is ideal for consolidating the basics, refining technique, and getting your horses ready for the season ahead, even over small heights. Among the must-have exercises, gymnastic lines hold a central place 🤩 They structure your sessions, help your horses stay fit, correct certain faults, and effectively improve their jumping technique.

To support you in your training, Marie Catrevault, a show jumping rider, shares three gymnastic lines suited to all levels, from the most straightforward to the most technical.

🔥 Line 1: The introductory line for everyone

The aim is to introduce work over small combinations while encouraging relaxation and looseness, for both horse and rider 😉

Practical advice: You can gradually raise the heights up to 1.10m, adjusting the distances slightly (+20 to 30 cm), to keep progressing safely.

For this line, you begin with a trot approach over a ground pole, then the line consists of two verticals and an oxer, each separated by one stride 🔥

💪 Line 2: The intermediate line to build confidence

For intermediate riders and horses, this line allows you to work on more complex combinations. It is ideal for working on a consistent rhythm, the rider's position, and the relaxation needed for a fluent, controlled jump.

Tip: Focus on the consistency of the sequence to optimise your horse's technique.

Here, approach at canter directly over the ground pole , then a bounce, followed by 2 strides to a vertical, then one stride to the oxer 😉

🤩 Line 3: The advanced line for experienced horses

Designed for experienced riders and horses, this more technical line helps develop reactivity and precision in the jumping effort. The bounce at the end of the line adds an extra challenge to refine your horse's technique. The key is to stay calm and precise, giving your horse the time to jump correctly.

The approach is made at trot over a ground pole, followed by a bounce, then one stride and another bounce ✨

👉 Quick tips to get the most out of your gymnastic lines

• Foam poles: Use these at the start of the line or between fences. They help your horse stay relaxed and maintain a consistent rhythm through to the end of the exercise (allow approximately 3 metres on landing).

• Reasonable heights: Keep it to a maximum of 1.10m at the end of the line. The goal isn't to jump high, but to jump well.

By incorporating these gymnastic lines into your winter training sessions, you give your horses structured, technical, and progressive work. These exercises help prepare your horses physically and mentally for the competition season, while deepening your partnership.