The Art of Show Jumping Course Design: Timing, Pace, and Height

February 2, 2024

Have you ever stood at the edge of a show jumping course, heart pounding as you watched horse and rider sail over towering obstacles? This thrilling spectacle is not just a test of athleticism. It's a masterpiece of design where timing, pace, and height merge to create an arena where only the best prevail

Behind every soaring jump and breathless turn lies the craft of show jumping course design, an art that shapes champions. The intricacies of this design dictate not just the rhythm of hooves but the very pulse of the sport. It's here, in the delicate balance of challenge and skill, that we witness the true essence of equestrian excellence.


Read on to discover how the clever orchestration of these elements takes the ordinary to the extraordinary by transforming every course into a stage for equestrian greatness.


A person is riding a horse over a jump in front of a crowd.


Timing: The Heartbeat of the Show Jumping Course


Timing in show jumping courses is a critical element that presents unique challenges to competitors. It's not just about clearing the jumps but also about completing the course within a set timeframe. This introduces a strategic layer to the competition, as riders must balance speed with precision.

For instance, open courses are designed to emphasize the athleticism and speed of horses. They feature long straight lines and wide turns for high-speed galloping between jumps. These courses demand excellent control and balance from the riders while maintaining a brisk pace.

On the other hand, indoor courses have tight turns and short distances between jumps. They require riders to demonstrate exceptional control and accuracy, as there is little room for error.


Grand Prix courses represent the pinnacle of show jumping challenges. Combining technical challenges, open galloping stretches, and large, imposing jumps, they test the skills and abilities of the world's best riders and horses.


These courses incorporate a series of demanding combinations and long galloping stretches. They conclude with massive verticals or oxers to push horses and riders to their limits.


Pace: Balancing Speed and Precision

In show jumping, pace is a vital component that balances speed with precision. A crucial aspect of mastering pace is understanding the importance of riding from center to center of each jump. This approach ensures that the horse squares his body to the fence to allow for a balanced and powerful jump. Deviating from this line can lead to more rails down, as it disrupts the horse's ability to jump in its best possible form.

Course designers typically base the distances on a standard 12-foot stride and factor in around 6 feet each for takeoff and landing.


This standardization helps riders predict the number of strides required in each line of a course and allows them to adjust their pace accordingly. However, several variables can influence how each distance rides, including the type of fence, arena size, and lighting. These changes necessitate a flexible approach to pace and stride length.


Ultimately, the rider's goal is to adjust their canter, not their line, to accommodate the distances set by the course designer. This approach allows for the maintenance of rhythm and straightness, essential for a clean round.


Height: The Vertical Challenge


Jump height in show jumping presents a significant challenge. It tests the skill and agility of both horse and rider.

The course designer's plan reflects careful consideration of how different horses will handle various obstacles. It takes into account factors like stride length and jumping ability.


For instance, when two fences are placed in a row, the course designer might set a specific stride requirement between them, challenging riders to adjust their approach accordingly. This could mean riding five strides for one competitor and six for another, depending on their horse's stride. The designer's intent is often to test the rider's ability to make decisions and adjust their pace in real time.


The placement of certain combinations on the course is also strategically chosen. For instance, a scopey distance between two oxers wouldn't be used in a tight corner, as horses need more galloping power to approach such a challenge effectively.



Design Philosophy and Trends in Modern Show Jumping


Show jumping courses have evolved significantly, reflecting the growth and sophistication of the sport. Here are some key trends and philosophies in contemporary show jumping course design:


Diverse Course Layouts


Recent designs showcase a variety of layouts to challenge competitors. Open courses, for example, feature long straight lines and wide turns to enable high-speed galloping between jumps. This design tests the control and balance of riders while maintaining a fast pace.

On the other hand, indoor courses are more compact and demanding, with tight turns and short distances between jumps that require precision and accuracy from riders.


Evolution in Technique and Material


Course designers have moved beyond the traditional 12-foot stride multiples. They've introduced more complex color schemes and lighter materials. This shift requires ultra-careful and brave horses, as the slightest touch can result in a rail down.


A Legacy of Equestrian Excellence

The next chapter in equestrian history could be written with you as a witness. Don't miss your chance to experience this exhilarating blend of sport and spectacle. Secure your tickets now for the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event and be part of the legacy.

Lasso Partners with the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event Presented by MARS Equestrian to Bring the Sport to Life Like Never Before

February 10, 2026
Lasso Partners with the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event Presented by MARS Equestrian to Bring the Sport to Life Like Never Before

Athlete Spotlight: Elisa Wallace

February 5, 2026
There are riders whose stories unfold quietly over time, and then there are riders whose journeys feel woven into the rhythm of the sport itself. Elisa Wallace falls into the latter category. A 5* event rider, trainer, and educator, Wallace has built a career defined by curiosity, commitment, and a deep belief in the horses she brings along. Long before she ever cantered out of the start box herself, Wallace experienced the Kentucky Three-Day Event as a spectator. Like many young riders, she watched from the sidelines, taking in the scale of the competition and the electricity that comes with a week where the entire eventing world seems to gather in one place. After spending time in several disciplines as a junior rider, she found her way back to eventing with a focus on understanding the process as much as the outcome. Over time, that approach became central to her program, with an emphasis on developing horses thoughtfully and building confidence step by step. In 2015, Wallace and Simply Priceless, affectionately known as Johnny around the barn, stepped up to the 4* level, now known as the 5* level, for the first time at the Kentucky Three-Day Event. It was a milestone moment, not because it marked an arrival, but because it marked a beginning. The pair returned to Kentucky two additional times between 2016 and 2018, gaining experience with each start and earning a loyal following of fans drawn to their bold cross country style and clear partnership. Propelling themselves onto the international stage, the pair were named alternates for the United States Olympic Three-Day Eventing Team for the Rio Olympic Games in 2016. That same year, Wallace and Johnny went on to compete at the Burghley Horse Trials, followed by the Badminton Horse Trials in 2017, with both events contested as 4* competitions at the time. From Kentucky to Burghley to Badminton, the partnership proved it belonged among the sport’s elite, showing grit, durability, and the ability to meet the demands of championship level eventing. As the years have passed, the Kentucky Three-Day has remained one of many familiar checkpoints along Wallace’s path. Returning with Renkum Corsair, Lissavorra Quality, Let It Be Lee, and Riot Gear, she has taken on the CCI4* and CCI5* levels, using the event as an opportunity to test progress and celebrate growth. Away from the competition arena, Wallace has become widely known for her work with American Mustangs and Off the Track Thoroughbreds; from championship wins to high profile retraining projects, she has helped shift perceptions around what these horses can achieve. In 2012, she earned her first Extreme Mustang Makeover win with Fledge, launching a chapter that would include multiple Mustang projects and titles. In 2018, Wallace claimed the America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred title with Reloaded at the Retired Racehorse Project, held at the Kentucky Horse Park. She has even brought fan favorite Mustangs Fledge and Rune to the Chewy Demonstration Arena at the Kentucky Three-Day, showcasing their freestyle and liberty training while offering a glimpse into the depth of partnership beyond competition. Education and storytelling remain central to her work. Through clinics, digital content, and an open look into her training program, Wallace shares the reality of producing horses over time, celebrating small wins alongside major milestones and reminding audiences that progress is rarely linear. Whether galloping across the Kentucky Horse Park or cheering on fellow competitors, Elisa Wallace embodies what makes the sport so compelling: dedication, partnership, and the understanding that the journey matters just as much as the destination.
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