The Star

WHO the exercise is for:

Anyone can use the star formation, there are so many ways to tackle it that it is often worth leaving one set up all the time.

HOW to set it up:

Put 2 bounces (3.5m distance – horses and ponies should both be able to use this) together so that they form a square. At each corner of the square add another jump going out from the square. If you plan carefully you can use a very minimal amount of jump stands just by using multiple cups on each stand). You can optionally put a 2 stride combination above the star to give more riding options.

WHAT to do:

The star can be done at a trot or canter. And you can jump almost any combination of fences! The suggested lines shown above in blue shades are more simple exercises, while the red is a much more difficult and tight turn. Don’t forget to incorporate changes of direction, as well as straight and angled approaches to fences.

WHY we do it:

Jumpoffs are won and lost on the ability to do a fast line (tight corners or angled approaches much more than a fast speed). The star gives us the opportunity to learn what approaches and turns we are capable of on our horses and also to help establish a real rhythm between fences while cornering (sweeping corners for greenies versus a turn-on-a-dime for nippy ponies).

MORE tips:

If you are jumping barrels or cavaletti (ie: no jump stands) then you can try going through the bounce on an angle and adjusting your stride accordingly (much like approaching a “V” fence on a cross country course). You can ‘create’ an entire jumping course from the star, making corners as sweeping or tight as you wish (great for greenies or a tune-up for the more experienced horses).