Showjump Distances

Showjump Distances between Fences ...

A useful table detailing showjump distances or showjump stride distances.

All showjump fences within a course of showjumps should be set at standard showjump distances and/or stride lengths and the course designer, whether amatuer or professional should know and understand how a horse jumps and what distances are required for the horse and rider to find the correct stride into a jump.

The showjump course designer, the judge (if there is one), the event organiser and the rider should always ensure that showjump distances are correct and they allow the standard size horse room to jump.

The following table is a range of distances that are regarded suitable for combinations on level ground, in normal weather conditions.

The ranges are based on fence heights of approximately 1.20m (4ft 0”). For competitions below this height the shorter distances are recommended.

Factors that contribute to the use of shorter distances :

• Uphill
• Deep going
• Away from the In-gate
• Small Arenas
• Short approaches
• Weather

Factors that contribute to the use of longer distances :

• Downhill
• Good going
• Towards the In-gate
• Large arenas

Distances for single and double fences.
	1 Stride	2 Strides	1 Stride	2 Strides
	24ft 6” – 26ft 0”	34ft 9” – 36ft 3”	24ft 3” – 25ft 6”	35ft 0” – 35ft 6”
	7.50m – 7.90m	10.60m – 11.05m	7.40m – 7.80m	10.70m – 10.80m
	25ft – 26ft 3”	35ft 0” – 36ft 6”	24ft 0” – 25ft 0”	34ft 6” – 35ft 0”
	7.60m – 8.00m	10.70m – 11.10m	7.30m – 7.60m	10.50m – 10.70m
3 Strides 47ft – 49ft (14.30m – 14.90m) 4 Strides 58ft – 62ft (17.70m – 18. 90m) 5 Strides 69ft – 75ft (21.00m – 22.85m) 6 Strides 80ft – 86ft (24.40m – 26.20m)

Table 4.SJ.i Single & Double Showjump distances.

Other showjump distance considerations

The construction of the fence (solid or flimsy), and the width of any oxers will also have an effect on stride distance.

Extreme variations of stride distances are only recommended for higher grade competitions with more experienced riders.

Distances in each part of a Triple Combination should either be consistent, or normal to slightly long. Variations of long to short, are used with great caution and only in major competitions.

For indoor, or small arenas, showjump distances can be shortened by up to 15cm (6”) for one stride and 20-30cm (8-12”) for two strides, to correspond to distances that would normally be used outdoors for the same class.

Distances are measured from the face of the landing side of the first fence, to the face of the take off side of the second fence, ignoring any small ground lines.