Gymnastic grids are usually built to accommodate one, two or three shorter canter strides, bounces, or a combination of these. There are standard suggested measurements, but it is essential to adjust for your horse’s individual needs – natural size of trot and canter step, age, and conformation – so before you start jumping you should determine what that is.
1. Flat work, flat work, flat work.
Gymnastics are about teaching a horse how to shorten its stride, change its centre of gravity, and sometimes lengthen the stride when jumping. Incorporating trot and canter lengthening and shortening exercises into your flat work will help your horse feel more confident stepping into the gymnastics.
2. Measure the size of your horse’s natural canter stride.
Set two poles 11’ apart and with a light contact, canter the poles. Have a helper adjust the poles to suit your horse’s step, which can range from 10’-14’. You may even find one lead has a bigger step.