I have a wheel tape that has its own wheels and a long handle so I just walk with it. I think we got it at Lowes.
The wheel is what I use, but the further you walk the less accurate it will become. Itâs not enough to bother me, maybe a few inches off, but if you measure out an 8 stride you will possibly be over or under measuring by a foot or a bit more.
A 100 ft tape is the most accurate, but of course not helpful on windy days or when you donât have a friend in the ring with you.
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Do you mean it is what you want to do or you fear for your life if you walk it wrong. Just curious
Was in response to one of the earlier posts:
âI 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 3â strides. And you walk it every day, or several times per day, until you know EXACTLY what it feels like to make those 3â 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 horseâs confidence in you when a tape measure or wheel isnât available or possible. Do it, learn it. Itâs cheap, and easy, and very valuable. Those who donât 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⊠itâs your life, and your horseâ[/size]
Particularily on a bad day I will definately get into my own head & then get timid riding a line & do the add. I feel much better mentally if I have double checked myself. All I had asked for was experiences w/ different measuring tools as I am frequently setting fences on my on & donât always have another person to help hold the tape.
Most of the answers have been very helpful, but the thread was starting to go down the holier than thou line of I should be able to pace out lines w/o the tape.
I actually initially set my jumps off of my pacing, & I practice regularly the 12â pacing, but again currently my mental head space feels safer if I double check myself. I am much more willing to sit up & ride a forward line if I KNOW it has been set correctly. I have a horse that I have to push a bit to make the strides, so if he adds, then I start questioning if I set it right when I am at home.
If you want to use a laser measure then tape a bigger target to your standards until you get the hang of it. A paper plate works well. They are extremely easy to use with a little practice. Occasionally very strong sun will make things difficult. Just measure the other direction away from the glare.
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@appendix100, I think most of us totally understand wanting to double check for our own mental well being.
No worries, it is not a bad question. Like all discussions with the general world, just move on from the responses that are not working for you.
No worries here either. I did move on. Just clarifying another question. Most everyone has been very helpful, this has helped alot.
Just bewareâŠmeasuring devices grow legs and vanish (probably hanging with all the socks and pens of the world). Not sure how they manage to never be where you are sure you left them, but it seems to be how it is. So once you get something you really like, make sure you store it so you have a better chance of finding it again.
if you get a wheel it has to have a big wheel to be accurate on sand in my experience.
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This is at my home, so legs donât grow quite so often. But I have a lovely waterproof box down by the arena that I keep a book of ranch riding patterns, longe line, crop, gloves, & extra spurs in. It will go in there. Otherwise I am pretty sure I will have to hunt it in my husbandâs shop - That is taking my life in my hands. Sore I wouldnât clean/organize his area for him, so itâs a death trap. On the up side, if there is something that I need badly enough to brave it, he usually doesnât notice itâs missingâŠI know all the missing socks are likely in there tooâŠ
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Fwiw, I do this. When Iâm setting things up I always walk out or first and then double check and adjust as necessary with my measuring tape.
I didnât see the holier posts. I think you got a lot of great input on this thread. Good luck in chosing an option.
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