How to Memorise a Show Jumping Course

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Make sure you have your horse saddled half an hour prior to your show jump round.

   In doing so, you are maximizing warm up time and you will also have enough time to watch a few competitors before your go.
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   Step 2: Keep an ear out on the load speaker

   Use this time to your advantage. , You must take and wear anything that you will be using, (Helmet, spurs, jodhpurs, shirt, boots and a crop if you use one).
   
   Many people ask to borrow yours as they may have forgotten there's, don't do this as if you don't have yours with you, you may get disqualified. , Many riders will begin at the first jump, but if you start at the start line, you can figure out the best approach for your first obstacle, therefore setting up the whole round. , However, do not walk over it, as this is cause for elimination.
   
   Remember where you met the jump, walk around and place your heel against the other side of the jump.
   
   As you walk towards the first jump, memorise the strides twice. , As you walk and stride the course out, make sure you continuously look back upon the course you have already walked, this makes it stick firmer into your memory. ,,, Step each jump out as though you would on your horse, as even if you take the whole 15 minutes (or time allowed to walk the course) don't worry, you will be more prepared than the rider who didn't even walk the course) ,, It is best to do a warm up lap of the jumps when the judge rings the bell, after the bell, you have 45 seconds to start the course.
   
   Follow the lines you memorized and as you jump each jump look towards the next one and keep record of the obstacle you just negotiated. , If you are totally lost, dismiss your self,, but not prior to giving the course a second go.
   
   Even if its wrong, you will have jumped, which is better than not trying at all.
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   Step 3: about 15 minutes prior to the start of your rounds

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   Step 4: they will announce that the course is open for competitors to walk.

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   Step 5: Make sure you are wearing the appropriate riding attire.

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   Step 6: Start at the very start.

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   Step 7: Walk to the first jump.

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   Step 8: Continue to the second and subsequent obstacles.

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   Step 9: Repeat the number of the obstacle as you approach

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    Step 10: and at each jump

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    Step 11: make sure you point and voice out the number of each jump.

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    Step 12: Determine what jumps would cause the most difficulty

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    Step 13: and work out the approach and get-away lines.

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    Step 14: Make sure

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    Step 15: that after you have walked the course once

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    Step 16: you walk it again

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    Step 17: unless your absolutely sure you know the pattern.

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    Step 18: Warm up and then wait patiently for your go

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    Step 19: allowing 2 riders prior to your round is good

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    Step 20: that way

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    Step 21: you can trace the course out

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    Step 22: and see if a particular jump is causing difficulty

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    Step 23: or if there is a bog forming where all the riders go causing the horse to baulk.

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    Step 24: Wait for your number or name to be called

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    Step 25: and approach the start line.

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    Step 26: If you do forget the course

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    Step 27: come back to trot and go the last jump you remember jumping

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    Step 28: and continue jumping.

Detailed Guide

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