Being able to jump a fence on a horse successfully needs more than just a point, kick and go strategy you need to break the process down into a step by step approach so that you understand how it happens. Armed with this knowledge, you can give your horse the best ride possible and set yourself up for a clear, confident round.According to trainer John Thelwall, there are five steps to think about: The approach to the fenceTaking offTime in the airLanding Moving away from the fence.The approachThe most important thing to remember on the approach to a fence is balance and rhythm. Get these two things right and your chances of success will soar, says John.This is something that can easily be trained at home. Practise turning to fences off both reins and from different distances. Instead of always jumping on fence, put a few together and think about the lines you are riding between each of them.By the you are approaching a fence you need to be in the most appropriate pace with balance and rhythm. You will also need enough energy and impulsion in the canter for the horse to be able to jump what youre asking them to.Energy and impulsion isnt the same as speed. Too much speed and your horse will jump flat, possibly knocking the fence down and landing on the other side with little control.Too little energy and your horse may refuse the jump, get too close to it and therefore have a poor take-off spot, and/or make a poor shape that may cause the fence to fall down.Taking offGetting a perfect take off is all about leaving the ground at the right spot and creating the power and impulsion to get up and over the fence, explains John.Your job is to get your horse to the fence correctly to give them the best possible chance of a powerful take off.Once youve got to the take off spot, its your horses job to physically take off and jump the fence. You need to allow them forward with your hands to do this, and your upper body will go forward so that you stay in balance with the horse.In flightThis is the moment when your horse has all four legs off the ground, as they jump the fence.This is called the in flight stage and the horse is doing all the work now, says John. Your job is to not get in the way and prepare yourself for landing, which often comes quicker than youre expecting.Landing from a jumpSo youre nearly over and its time for touch down.Its important you stay in balance so that your horse can move away quickly. Dont throw your reins at the horse as you land; they need you to be ready for the next phase.Moving away from the jumpAs you canter away from the fence, its important to re-establish balance and rhythm.This is effectively the start of your approach to the next fence, advises John.Remember your horse has no clue where youre going, so make it easy for them. This means you will need to be sitting up, looking ahead to the next fence, riding positively forward on the best line to get the next jump.So the next time you are schooling over fences at home, remember this five-step approach. They all count towards riding a clear round in a safe, confident way that both you and your horse will enjoy.Main image Your Horse Library/Kelsey Media/Sally NewcombRelated contentJumping exercises for a strong and keen horseTina Cooks top tips for jumping on grassHow do horses see a fence? Lucinda Green explains *VIDEO*Five gears that every cross-country horse needs to haveCommon jumping position errors fixedThe post Five-step plan for a clear and confident jumping round appeared first on Your Horse.