Master the Grid: Precision, Rhythm, and Adjustability with Holly Smith

In the high-stakes environment of showjumping, the performance is often won or lost in the strides between the jumps. International showjumper Holly Smith worked with rider Victoria Wearing and her 8-year-old gelding, Paul, to refine the fundamental building blocks of a clear round: rhythm, adjustability, and precision.

Under Holly's expert eye, the session moved beyond simply clearing poles to mastering the deliberate control of the horse's stride.

The Foundation: Rhythm is King

The cornerstone of Holly’s instruction is the maintenance of a consistent tempo. Without a reliable "metronome" in the canter, adjustability becomes nearly impossible.

"The aim is to keep it nice and even," Holly emphasizes.

When Victoria keeps Paul in a steady, rhythmic gait, the distances begin to appear naturally. A rhythmic horse is a balanced horse, and a balanced horse is capable of jumping from almost any spot.

The Art of Adjustability

The heart of the session involved varying the number of strides between fences in a related distance. This "accordion" work requires the horse to be perfectly "on the aids"—listening for the signal to either compress the frame or open up the step.

• The Added Stride: Collecting the canter to fit an extra stride in a line without losing impulsion.
• The Forward Stride: Opening the horse's step to cover more ground while maintaining balance.

Holly’s focus here is on rideability. It isn't just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about having the control to choose how you get there.

Precision Through Preparation

Holly highlights that the work done before the fence determines the quality of the jump itself. If the approach is organized, the distance becomes a logical conclusion of the turn.

"If you've got a nice canter around the corner that's gonna suit your related distance, if you've got a nice takeoff point, it should fit all in nicely," says Holly.

By focusing on the quality of the turn and the approach, Victoria can ensure that Paul arrives at the fence in the ideal position to clear it with ease.

Riding with a Clear Plan

For a developing 8-year-old like Paul, clarity from the rider is essential. Holly encouraged Victoria to ride with an intentional plan for every line, ensuring that every stride was accounted for. This level of precision prevents "searching" for a distance at the last second, which often leads to an unbalanced jump or a refusal.

Watch the Full Masterclass

To see these principles in action and observe Holly’s real-time corrections for Victoria and Paul, you can watch the complete training session on the ClipMyHorse.TV Academy. The full episode offers a deeper look at the specific exercises used to sharpen Paul's responsiveness and provides invaluable visual cues for riders looking to mirror Holly’s world-class standards in their own arenas.

Watch HERE!