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Over years in the sport of jumping, I have used both Imperial and Metric measurements for measuring distances between jumps. As a rider when pacing out distances, I had always used Imperial. It was easy to standardise 12' or even easier 4 yards per stride. 6' (2 yards) is accounted for landing and another 6' (2 yards) for take-off. Calculating the number of strides is relatively simple, count the number of paces down a line, take 4 away for landing and take-off and then divide by 4. A similar approach can be done in feet by multiplying each step by 3 if using feet. Using imperial measurement can work when using an 11' stride, like for ponies and schooling over smaller fences but it does test my mental arithmetic. However, the complexity grows when the distances is not based on 11' or 12' stride.



These days most course designers use metric measurements when measuring distances. In medium level competitions I still base my stride distances on the 12' stride, but in the metric length of 3.65m. These days distances are often based on 3.6m, 3.7m or at higher levels 3.8m. Also, a 1 stride combination, the average stride length is much longer and a 2-stride combination has a slightly shorter average stride when compared to the average stride length in a line. At lower heights shorter strides are used, especially for doubles and over big fences distances a longer stride is used. The best stride length also varies due to jump types as well as the slope of the ground. This gets very complicated! Remembering these distances can be difficult and taking a piece of paper with you can be a pain in the butt.

Strides Distance Calculator removes the complexity out of setting the best distances for lines and combinations. It displays distances in both metres and feet and it is easily taken with you, on your phone in your back pocket. Search for Strides Distance Calculator on Google Play or Apple App Store.

See the latest Strides Course Design tutorials, visit Strides Tutorial Series on our News page:

Tutorial 1 - 3 stride - 20m rule


Tutorial 2 - Roll back turns


Tutorial 3 - Quick corners


Tutorial 4 - Balanced corners


Line distances - Imperial vs Metric


Tutorial 6 - First Fence in a Course