Horse Stride Chart: Free Related Distances PDF
For horses, British Showjumping's distance guide gives 7.5 to 7.8 m for one stride and 10.7 to 11 m for two strides. Three strides is 14.3 to 14.6 m, four 18.0 to 18.3 m and five 21.3 to 21.9 m. RDA guidance adds a bounce of 3.0 to 3.7 m. Deep going makes distances ride longer.
A horse stride chart turns a number of canter strides into the distance to set between two fences. The table below gives the published horse figures from British Showjumping and the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), in metres and feet, for a bounce and for one to five strides. Use them as a starting point, then watch how your horse actually rides the line.
Horse stride chart: related distances by number of strides
| Strides | British Showjumping, horse (metres) | British Showjumping, horse (feet) | RDA, horses 15.2hh+ (metres) | RDA, horses 15.2hh+ (feet) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bounce (no stride) | Not given | Not given | 3.0–3.7 | 10–12 |
| 1 stride | 7.5–7.8 | 24′6″–25′6″ | 6.4–7.5 | 21–24.5 |
| 2 strides | 10.7–11.0 | 35–36 | 10.0–11.0 | 33–36 |
| 3 strides | 14.3–14.6 | 47–48 | 13.7–14.6 | 45–48 |
| 4 strides | 18.0–18.3 | 59–60 | 17.4–18.3 | 57–60 |
| 5 strides | 21.3–21.9 | 70–72 | 20.1–22.0 | 66–72 |
British Showjumping publishes feet only; YardForge converted them to metres (1 ft = 0.3048 m, rounded to 0.1 m). RDA publishes both. Neither source gives separate figures for spreads, so use these as your starting distances between upright fences.
Notes on using the chart
- Oxers and other fence types: British Showjumping expects course designers to know how different obstacle types and sequences change a horse's stride, and when to lengthen or shorten a distance. Neither source gives oxer figures, so this chart doesn't either.
- Trot approach: RDA says that if you approach in trot, the distance between the first and second fence may need to be up to 90 cm (3 ft) shorter.
- Fence height: RDA notes that as fences go up, distances need adjusting.
- Too long or too short: RDA says it is preferable to set training distances too long rather than too short.
- Going: deep or holding ground shortens a horse's stride, so distances ride longer than the tape says.
- Site: British Showjumping's figures are for guidance only; site circumstances and the material used also count.
Sources: British Showjumping Distance Guide (October 2018) · RDA Guidance on Distances, horses (March 2018) · British Showjumping Course Designer competencies (2020).
To check a single line for your own horse, use the stride calculator, or lay the whole track out in the free course designer.
Printable wall chart grounded in the same stride model as the YardForge designer. Working canter strides by horse and pony size, plus centre-to-centre related distances for one to five strides, the numbers club builders and coaches use at the ringside.
What’s on the chart
- Working canter strides, pony through large horse reference lengths so you can scale a line for the horse in front of you
- Related distances 1–5 strides, centre-to-centre distances for adult horse reference, with notes to shorten for ponies
- Same model as the free browser designer, wall chart and on-screen calculator stay consistent
How to use it at the yard
- Pick the horse or pony size band closest to your ride.
- Measure centre-to-centre between fences with a wheel or tape.
- Match the measured gap to the chart row for the stride count you want (or reverse: choose strides, then set the gap).
- Confirm related lines in the free online designer when you need a full plan PDF for builders and judges.
Why related distances matter
A one-stride double and a two- or three-stride line ride very differently when the horse is green, the arena is short, or the surface is deep. A wall chart keeps the common numbers visible while you set poles, then the online stride calculator and full designer refine the track for BS or FEI planning-aid checks.
How to get the PDF
Enter your email on this page (interactive form in the app) to unlock the free PDF. Occasional product tips from YardForge; unsubscribe any time. Direct asset for crawlers and existing subscribers:
FAQ
Is the chart free? Yes. Enter your email to get the PDF.
Does it replace a course designer? No. Independent planning aid only, always confirm competition layouts against the current rule book and a qualified designer or TD when required.
Can I design the full course online? Yes. Use the free 2D designer for unlimited courses, live strides, and watermarked multi-role PDFs.
Free designer · Online calculator · Stride calculator guide · Choosing stride length
