While it varies with the level of competition, show jumping courses typically have 10 to 16 obstacles, including combinations. Jump-off rounds will typically have 6 to 8 obstacles. So, how do you quickly memorize the course and avoid finding yourself wondering where to go next? 

We talked to Stephanie Holmén to hear what she usually does to help remember the course. Notepad ready? Let’s go. ✍

How did you feel when you were new to jumping – did you find it difficult to remember the course?

– I’ve always found it quite easy to remember the course which I’m very grateful for. 

Do you find there’s a difference between learning indoor and outdoor courses?

– You notice a big difference when you go from outdoor to indoor arenas. You often jump similar lines and sometimes obstacles in both directions, with jumps more often placed next to each other. So, it can be a bit more difficult to learn indoor courses than outdoor ones, as outdoor courses tend to have a more natural flow.

Do you have a system or some specific techniques that you use, to help you memorize the course before riding it?

– I usually memorize about four obstacles at a time. I think about the obstacle I am going to jump and how I will ride up to it, and how I will ride between the obstacles. I also think about how to plan the turns, tempo, and stride lengths.

“It can be a bit more difficult to learn indoor courses than outdoor ones, as outdoor courses tend to have a more natural flow.”

– Stephanie Holmén

When you walk the course, do you have a routine or a method that helps you remember it?

• To begin, I focus on the first 4 obstacles. 

• Then, I focus on the next obstacles, so obstacles 5 through 8.

• I repeat obstacles 1 to 8, and so on. 

• If there is enough time, I like to walk the course 2 or 3 times. 

• When I’ve walked the course and made my plan, I rehearse it in my mind as many times as I can before it’s time to enter the course. 

– It’s also important to make a plan for where and how you will ride the course until you get the start signal. 

Is there something in particular that you consider when you plan the path between the obstacles? 

– Yes, there are a lot of factors that influence how I plan the path. Is it after a turn or a long approach? Is it a vertical, an oxer, a triple combination? What follows it? What's the scoring system for the class? These are all factors that I consider.

What do you do if, after doing what you can to memorize it, you start to feel uncertain about the course during the round?

– If you walk the course enough times and do what you can to memorize it, you shouldn’t find yourself feeling uncertain about the course. But if that happens, you just have to look for the numbers and follow them. 

Do you want to learn more about the different types of obstacles in show jumping? Check out our guide!