Measuring distances between the jumps

[appendix100]

I am looking for something the help me measure between the jumps when I am setting combinations at home. I am usually by myself, so not requiring 2 people to operate whatever it is, is preferred.
I am finding that I don’t necessarily trust pacing them off to set them.

I have used a fiberglass long tape - needs 2 people, & if there is a breeze it is hard to keep the tape straight for the 4-6stride combination lengths.
I have had a laser tape, but it never could see the opposite jump.
Had a wheel 100 years ago, I can’t remember if it worked well or not.

So, Will a 100’ steel tape work? Is there a way to skewer it into the ground so I can run it 84’ out to the next jump on my own? Are there better laser tapes that actually would work? How about the wheels, willing to try again if they are worthwhile.

[ThreeWishes]

Always used the wheels. You can anchor the clip under a ground pole or on the jump itself. Then just roll on out.

[ghst13]

I’ve always used the fiberglass tape on a reel and hooked the metal tab on the end on a jump cup or into the track of keyhole system. Depending on the standards sometimes I can hook it on the feet at the base. I never found breezes to be a major problem, just get the jump in the vicinity and then stretch taut long enough to check.

[appendix100]

you mean a tape measure reel, or a measuring wheel? I didn’t think the wheels had anything you had to clip to.
I have tried anchoring the clip under the pole, on the standard etc, but for the longer distances it pulls off.

[endlessclimb]

Zozen Measuring Wheel Digital Display, 12-Inch Can Measurement to 99,999.11 Feet...

[Saskatoonian]

I use a tape on a wheel (fiberglass? plastic? I dunno) with a horseshoe zip tied to the end so that it stays under the pole I’m measuring from. Those little spiky ends never stayed put for me - the horseshoe works perfectly.

[Larbear]

I just use a long tape measure (like for landscaping) but since I’m usually on my own, I just use a brick (or handy large rock) to weigh down one end.

[Mander]

I always just anchored the end of the fiberglass ones to the ground with a jump cup pin (or a pole).
If the tape is on the ground, the breeze can’t mess with it (and honestly, even at 100ft or so, a little bit of bend in it isn’t going to make or break the stride - we’re talking <6’’ of difference).

[endlessclimb]

Am I the only one who uses a proper wheel measure (not tape, based on wheel rotations)? Is this a bad method?

[Tha_Ridge]

No, not a bad method at all.

OP, if you’re willing to give walking a try, take a yardstick and “calibrate” your step. Once you realize what a normal step feels like, I suspect you’ll be able to do it quite well—at least well enough for jumping around at home.

[LazyA1]

My jump cups allow me to hook the tape, but if I didn’t have that here’s what I would do. Every 100’ tape measure I’ve ever seen has a hole at the zero end where the reinforcement piece of metal is. Stick a screwdriver through that hole and into the ground.

[BrendaJane]

the measuring tape is likely cheaper and easier to stow.
but hundreds of show grounds can’t be wrong, using the wheel.

[appendix100]

I have done that, I’m actually not bad. The problem is when I go to jump a combination that I have set, is start questioning myself, then suck back & add the stride to be safe instead of pushing up. Side effect of getting old & knowing you don’t bounce anymore. It is a mental thing for me more than anything else…

[appendix100]

I will try this

[ThreeWishes]

OP this type has worked for me.

But I believe the one I have from Home Depot isn’t stiff fiberglass. It’s more soft.

[LazyA1]

Exactly… see that loop at the end? Stick a screwdriver through it and into the ground.

[EventerAJ]

What size are your jump poles? Standard size is 12ft. Practice your pacing by stepping off the length of jump poles. 12 ft = 4 3ft steps (1 horse stride). Put a pole on the ground and walk alongside it over and over. When it starts to feel “right”, look up into the distance and not at the ground. Keep walking it out until you can get the 4 steps right from end to end of the pole, with your eyes up.

When walking a course at a show, if you think your step feels a bit tight/short, just go to a jump and walk parallel to the poles…get your 4 steps in accurately. It is your “warm up” before walkimg the course so you trust your paces and distances.

As far as counting strides goes, I always think to myself: “Land, land (two steps, 6ft, for landing). 1-two-three-four, 2-two-three-four, 3-two-three-four, 4-two-three-four…” etc until the last two steps for take off.

[NancyM]

I always really feel that it is necessary to learn to pace out distances accurately. In order to do this, you need a long straight pathway or walk way, which you travel often/daily, 60 feet long or so at least. You take your measuring tape or yard stick, and some paint or ???, and mark off exactly 3’ strides. And you walk it every day, or several times per day, until you know EXACTLY what it feels like to make those 3’ strides. Then you can have confidence in your ability to walk distances between jumps. There are times when this skill will indeed save your life and will save your horse’s confidence in you when a tape measure or wheel isn’t available or possible. Do it, learn it. It’s cheap, and easy, and very valuable. Those who don’t learn this skill will remain amateur riders forever, dependent on a coach to tell you what you need to know. And those who coach may not know how to measure distances by walking it either. Take responsibility for this yourself… it’s your life, and your horse.

[appendix100]

I actually do that, & check myself regularly. However, if I have paced them out, i will question myself. Having a tape to double check, is for me mentally. It is my life & my horse, which is why I want to have a way to double check myself.

[trubandloki]

I find the wheel is hard to measure well with on softer/deeper sand type footing so if that is what you have then I can see why you (general) might not have a wheel.

I have typically done the whole catching the end of the tape measure on the jump cup thing.

Edit to add - if you buy the tape shown above with the loop end, you can just shove a jump cup pin thru that loop and toss the whole thing on the ground.