Show-Jumping Warm-up Strategies That Work

Eventer Buck Davidson and the U.S. Eventing Team’s Show Jumping Coach Silvio Mazzoni share warm-up tips.

- Sonia Taylor

A top placing at a three-day or one-day event can likely hinge on a clean show-jumping round, which is why riders need to prepare for a successful performance in the ring with a smart warm-up plan.

International three-day eventer and top-ranked U.S. rider Buck Davidson, aided by the U.S. Eventing Team’s Show Jumping Coach Silvio Maz zoni, shared his thoughts on how to ride a well-prepared show-jumping warm-up and his routine for three of his top mounts. “Training horses is about consistency,” Buck says. “If you want to teach your horse to jump a barrel without a bridle and saddle, you can do that. As long as you train your horse the same way, he will understand what’s expected.”

Begin at Home

Buck says the foundation for your show-day warm-up starts with developing a routine back at the home base and knowing your horse. “You have to ride your horse on show day the way the horse knows you will ride him. You should be consistent. Don’t go to the event and try to be somebody else. Do what you normally do, do it well and you’ll be fine.”

Achieving the ride you want on show day means trying different things at home so that you know what works for your horse and what doesn’t. Experiment with flat exercises that address your horse’s weaknesses and help encourage balance, adjustability and straightness. Introduce fences at different stages of your warm-up so you know about how long your horse needs on the flat before he’s ready to jump his best. Some horses are better jumping after a brief flatwork session, while others need more time to be attentive, supple and relaxed.