Stride control (striding) is an essential part of any rider’s development when jumping obstacles, and jumping them well, is a goal. Understanding and implementing stride control (being able to adjust the number of strides before and between fences) improves a horse’s rideability and allows the rider to further improve the horse’s technique over an obstacle. Jen Marsden Hamilton discovered striding from former US Show Jumping Chef d’Equipe George Morris, who credits her as being the first student to whom he taught the method that he’d learned from Bertalan De Némethy, one of his mentors. Now, after coaching countless riders and horses around the world in the striding techniques that brought her success during her own impressive competitive career, and Hamilton has compiled her knowledge in a concise book of exercises and insightful strategies. This fun, approachable guide will help all riders train with correctness and form good habits at home so they can be stars at their next jumping or eventing competition. Exercises include detailed set-up instructions and illustrations for reference; clear discussion of the purpose and strategy for the training session; and helpful tips, to ensure all involved are benefiting from the lesson. Throughout, Hamilton’s straight-talk and wry humor entertain as well as advise, providing an all-around superb guide to a necessary jumping skill.

Jen Marsden Hamilton is an internationally renowned equestrian coach. Based in Canada, she travels throughout Canada, the USA, New Zealand, Australia and Kenya training horses and riders. For over 45 years Jen has combined her Bachelor of Education (Acadia University) with the most current coaching and equestrian training to nurture the next generation of star athletes. Jen developed and wrote the National Coaching Certification Program’s (NCCP) Canada, Level III - Jumper. As a rider, Jen gained valuable experience that informs her coaching today. She placed fourth in both, the American Horse Show Association’s Medal Finals and the Alfred B. Maclay Hunter Seat Equitation Finals at Madison Square Garden. Riding Wee Geordie she reached new heights in puissance classes, jumping six feet and higher. She also holds the distinction of being George H. Morris’ first student when he started his career as a professional horseman in 1963. In 1975 Jen was the Martini and Rossi Canadian Horsewoman of the Year. As a coach, Jen has been recognized for her dedication with the Canadian Coaching Association’s “Year of the Coach” Coaching Award in 1988, the 3M Coaching Canada Award for Coaching Excellence in 1996. She has also represented her country as a coach to young Canadian riders at international team competitions throughout North and South America. George H. Morris is considered one of the most influential riders and trainers in equestrian sport. A winner as a junior and later as a representative of the United States in international competition, he has dedicated much of his career to the proliferation of quality horsemanship and fine riding, and the improvement of American equestrianism.