Horse Show Jumping Course

Low obstacle course inspired by horse show jumping, where each student is a horse that gallops and clears each obstacle the way its sign shows, while a partner judge counts faults. Students practice running, takeoff and landing.

How to play

1. Set up two identical courses of 6 obstacles: poles resting on cones at 6-8 inches, hoops in a row and a rope on the ground as a 'water jump.' Next to each obstacle, place a cone with a picture: two-foot jump, hop or one-foot takeoff.
2. Form trios for each turn: horse, judge and groom, who resets knocked poles. Four trios wait at each course.
3. Walk the course (4 min): horses walk and gently jump the course to learn the order and the jump type at each obstacle.
4. First round (6 min): gallop between obstacles and jump as the sign shows. The judge counts faults: knocked pole, wrong jump or stepping in the water. Rotate roles in the trio.
5. Second round (6 min): each horse picks low or medium height on two obstacles and tries for a clean round.
6. Grand parade (4 min): all horses run the course in a line, 10 feet apart, at a trot and fault-free.

Rules

• The next horse starts when the one ahead has passed the third obstacle.
• Poles only rest on cones; never tie or fix them.
• Land with both knees bent and eyes forward.
• Judges only count faults; no shouting or coaching.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a parallel zigzag course with poles on the ground, or the role of head judge who starts each horse.
• Shy students: in the first round, go as a pair holding hands like a two-horse team.
• Fitness level: confident jumpers raise the height; students who tire walk between obstacles.

Learning goals

• Take off from one or two feet and land balanced after a low obstacle.
• Link running and jumping without stopping.
• Take responsibility in the roles of judge and helper.

Equipment for a class of 25

• poles: 8
• cones: 28
• hoops: 6
• ropes: 2

Teacher tip

Use loose poles that fall at the slightest touch, never tight ropes. Picture cones save long explanations: students read the course themselves.

More activities like this

More main activities for Elementary