Course Walk Strategy: Step-by-Step Planning for Your Round

Intro

Many amateur riders walk the course without really knowing how to do it. They follow the others, look at the jumps, maybe count a few strides, but they don’t build a real plan. Then, when they enter the ring, they ride by instinct instead of strategy. That’s when small mistakes turn into big faults.

Walking the course correctly means building a plan that fits your horse, your level, and your mindset for that day. It’s the first real moment where you can prepare for the round instead of just reacting once you’re in it.

1. Enter the Arena with a Clear Process

When you start the course walk, take your time. Don’t rush, this is where your round begins.

The first thing to do is understand the structure of what you’re about to ride:

• Start by looking at the numbers and order of the jumps, so you already know the path you’ll follow.
• Then, as you move from fence to fence, notice what kind of obstacles you have: singles, lines or broken lines.
• At the same time, look at each jump and start building a small plan for each one, how you’ll approach it, how you’ll land, and what comes next.

This process happens naturally as you walk. You’re checking the order, the types of jumps, and the rhythm of the course all at once.

2. Study Each Jump and Its Role in the Course

Once you’ve identified the overall flow, go back to the details.
For every obstacle or pair of obstacles, ask yourself:

• What type of jump is it (vertical, oxer, plank, filler, water tray)?
• Is it part of a line or a combination?
• What approach and landing direction do I have?

If you have a line or a related distance, study it as a unit. If you have a single fence, focus on its approach and rhythm.
Always keep your horse in mind. Think about what kind of fence might catch his attention, where he might need more support, or where you can let him flow naturally.

3. Check the Combinations and Tricky Spots

After you’ve walked all the individual elements, focus on the parts that usually make the difference: the combinations and the technical questions.

• Check if the combination starts with an oxer or a vertical, and how that affects your landing.
• Note if it’s one stride, two strides, or a triple combination.
• Identify any delicate jumps such as planks, water trays, or narrow elements that might make your horse hesitate.

Also, pay attention to the environment: shadows, banners, corners, or audience areas. Sensitive horses notice these things long before the rider does, so the more aware you are, the fewer surprises you’ll have in the ring.

4. How to Count Lines Correctly

Once you’ve walked the course and understood the flow, it’s time to measure the lines.
When I teach my students how to count distances, I use a simple method that works even if you’re walking alone.

Let’s take a broken line as an example:

1. Start at the first jump and take one big step away from it. That represents your horse’s landing. The higher the fence, the longer that step will be.

2. From there, count four small steps at a time. Those four steps equal roughly one stride, about 3.50 to 3.80 meters depending on your step size.

3. Keep counting four steps per stride until you reach the next fence.

As you approach the second jump, remember to subtract the take-off stride, the last space your horse needs before leaving the ground.

If your last group of steps feels a little shorter, it’s a sign the line is tight. You’ll need to ride with more control.
If you have to stretch your steps to make it fit, it’s longer, so you’ll need a more forward rhythm.

This simple technique helps riders understand what they’re walking and teaches them to make small but smart adjustments, especially in lower-level classes where there’s more flexibility.

5. Build Your Plan and Visualize the Round

Now that you’ve analyzed the course and counted your lines, connect everything into one clear plan.
Think about the round from start to finish: where you’ll turn, how you’ll approach the first jump, where you’ll breathe, where you might need to steady the horse or add leg.
Visualize it exactly as you want to ride it.

When you’re done walking, it’s time to prepare your horse. Once you’re in the warm-up and waiting for your turn, keep him moving. Don’t let him walk and switch off; trot or canter lightly in the arena so he stays focused and connected.
Let him look at the fences and the environment, but always while in motion. If you walk and let him switch off, he may think the work is over. Staying active keeps his body and mind ready for when the bell rings.

6. The Real Goal

A good course walk gives you control, not over the result, but over your decisions.
When something unexpected happens, you’re not surprised; you’re ready to react with options you’ve already planned.
That’s how you lower stress and ride with confidence, no matter what level you compete at.

Conclusion

The course walk isn’t a formality. It’s the first technical and mental exercise of your competition.
Do it with method and attention, and you’ll already be ahead before even mounting your horse. That’s what separates a reactive rider from a prepared one.