How to Walk a Jump Course

to get faster going towards home and a little stickier going away. Be aware of the time allowed if its tight you might want to find some places on course where you can save time with a more efficient track.
It is crucial to note where the start and finish timers are located. I learned this lesson the hard way when I laid down a beautiful round but got disqualified for not going through the timers because I didnt know where they were!
Your plan will of course vary greatly depending on your goals for the course. If your horse is young and your goals are to have a successful and confidencebuilding trip you might want to take your time and not worry so much about speed as about having an easy ride and getting over every jump. If you are in it to win it youll be looking for places to shave off time with more direct tracks and inside turns all the while making sure you can jump a clear round.
Tips and Tricks 
In addition to walking the course watching your fellow competitors ride the course can be helpful as long as you arent the type to get psyched out especially if things dont go well for them. Watching others ride the course can help you memorize it and allows you to see how the lines and tracks ride and how others navigate the challenges but dont let it make you stray too far from your original plan. 
No matter how much planning you put in place something may still go wrong. While its easier said than done if you do make a mistake let it go and just keep riding. Carrying that mistake along with you for the rest of the ride is a burden you and your horse dont need. Keep your eye and your brain moving forward to the next fence and let the mistake go and if you figure out just how to do that please let me know