Warm-Up Routines Before a Show Jumping Round

The collecting ring is not the place to teach new skills. Your warm-up should confirm what the horse already knows: forward, straight, adjustable.

Minutes 0–8: Flatwork

Walk 2 minutes — let the horse take in the environment.
Rising trot both reins: transitions within the pace, leg-yield on the long side.
Canter: one simple change each way if the horse is balanced; otherwise counter-canter on a shallow loop.

Minutes 8–14: Poles

Two trot poles, then one canter pole to a small vertical (lower than competition height).
Repeat until the rhythm is metronomic — not faster, cleaner.

Minutes 14–20: Practice fences

One vertical at competition height.
One spread or oxer 2–3 strides after a related pole if space allows.
Finish over something the horse finds easy — confidence matters more than height in the ring.

Common mistakes

Jumping too many practice fences (legs and mind tire).
Flatwork that is too passive — you need forward energy before fences.
Changing bits or boots in the ring (do it earlier).

Timing with the ring steward

Know your course walk time and allow 20–25 minutes minimum. Championship classes may need longer if the ring is crowded.

A boring warm-up is a good warm-up. Save brilliance for fence one.