Frame-by-Frame Analysis: What to Look For

The ability to analyze show jumping videos frame by frame has revolutionized how riders and trainers understand and improve performance. What once required a trained eye and split-second observations can now be examined in precise detail, revealing subtleties that would otherwise remain invisible. However, having this powerful capability is only valuable if you know what to look for.

Based on my work with riders at all levels, I've developed a systematic approach to frame-by-frame analysis that focuses on the most revealing moments and movements. This guide will help you extract maximum insight from your video footage, identifying both strengths to build upon and weaknesses to address.

The Approach Phase: 3-5 Strides Before Takeoff

The quality of a jump is largely determined before the horse leaves the ground. Frame-by-frame analysis of the approach reveals crucial details about preparation and balance:

Rhythm and Stride Length

Examine consecutive frames to assess:

Consistency of stride length - Is each stride roughly the same length, or is there acceleration/deceleration?
Quality of rhythm - Is the timing between strides consistent, or is there rushing/hesitation?
Balance indicators - Is the horse's topline consistent, or does it change with each stride?

Look specifically for the moment when the rider makes their decision about stride length and takeoff point. In elite riders, this decision appears deliberate and committed, while developing riders often show hesitation or last-minute adjustments.

Rider Position and Preparation

Key frames to analyze include:

Weight distribution - Is the rider's weight appropriately balanced, or are they tipping forward/backward?
Hand position - Are the hands providing a stable connection, or are they moving erratically?
Lower leg position - Is the leg stable and in contact with the horse's side, or is it swinging?
Upper body alignment - Is the rider's upper body appropriately upright until the final approach stride?

Horse's Response to Aids

Frame-by-frame analysis reveals the subtle conversation between horse and rider:

Reaction time - How many frames between the application of an aid and the horse's response?
Quality of response - Does the horse adjust smoothly or abruptly to rider input?
Anticipation - Is the horse waiting for guidance or anticipating/making decisions independently?

The Takeoff: From Last Stride to Airborne

The takeoff phase happens in fractions of a second but contains critical information about technique and balance:

Last Stride Mechanics

Focus on these specific moments:

Hind leg engagement - Are both hind legs pushing equally? Are they reaching well under the horse's body?
Back and topline - Does the horse round its back and lift its withers in preparation?
Head and neck position - Is the neck extended forward and down to allow balance, or is it elevated/restricted?

Rider's Takeoff Position

The transition from approach to jumping position reveals much about rider balance and timing:

Timing of weight shift - Does the rider begin their jumping position at the appropriate moment, or too early/late?
Hand release - Is the release timed with the horse's neck extension, or is it premature/delayed?
Center of gravity - Does the rider's center of gravity remain over the horse's center, or is it behind/ahead of the motion?

Takeoff Angle

For each type of jump, there's an optimal takeoff angle. Assess:

Angle relative to fence height - Is the horse jumping with appropriate effort for the height?
Takeoff point - Is the distance from the base of the jump appropriate for the horse's stride and fence type?
Symmetry - Is the horse leaving the ground evenly, or is one side leading/lagging?

The Arc: Analyzing the Jumping Effort

The shape of the jump itself reveals much about technique, efficiency, and potential:

Bascule and Form

The ideal jumping form varies somewhat by horse type, but certain fundamentals apply:

Rounding of back - Does the horse create a rounded arc with its spine?
Front end technique - Are the knees tucked up evenly, or is one lower/higher?
Hind end technique - Do the hind legs fold efficiently, or do they hang or trail?

Eye and Focus

Often overlooked but extremely revealing:

Horse's eye and ear focus - Is the horse looking at the jump, the landing, or something else entirely?
Rider's eye focus - Is the rider looking ahead to the landing and next fence, or down at the current jump?

Rider Position Over the Jump

The ideal position allows the horse maximum freedom while maintaining control:

Hip angle - Is the angle appropriate for the height and type of fence?
Upper body position - Is the chest up and the back flat, or is there roaching/hollowing?
Arm and hand position - Do the hands follow the horse's mouth, or restrict forward motion?
Lower leg position - Does the leg remain close to the girth, or does it swing back or forward?

The Landing: Recovery and Transition

How a horse lands and recovers determines both safety and efficiency to the next effort:

Landing Mechanics

Specific moments to analyze:

Front leg landing sequence - Which leg lands first, and is the loading even?
Hind leg engagement - How quickly do the hind legs engage after landing?
Balance on landing - Does the horse land in balance, or heavy on the forehand?

Rider Recovery

The transition back to normal riding position is crucial:

Timing of sitting - Does the rider return to the saddle at the appropriate moment?
Hand connection reestablishment - How quickly and smoothly is normal rein contact resumed?
Eye focus - Has the rider's focus already moved to the next fence/challenge?

Transition to Next Effort

The frames immediately following landing reveal preparation quality:

Recovery stride length - Is the first stride after landing balanced and purposeful?
Direction control - How many strides before the horse is correctly aligned for the next challenge?
Rhythm reestablishment - How quickly is normal canter rhythm regained?

Comparison Techniques: Maximizing Learning

Frame-by-frame analysis becomes even more powerful when using comparison techniques:

Before and After Comparisons

Compare identical frames from before and after implementing a specific technique change:

Extract the exact same moment in the jumping effort (e.g., front legs at maximum tuck)
Place the frames side by side for direct comparison
Look for specific changes in angles, positions, and expressions

Different Horses, Same Rider

Compare how the same rider adapts to different horses:

Does the rider maintain consistent technique regardless of mount?
How does the rider adapt position for different horse types?
Are there consistent strengths or weaknesses regardless of horse?

Same Exercise, Different Days

Track development over time with direct comparisons:

Use fixed-point video capture to ensure comparable footage
Examine identical moments in the same exercise over weeks or months
Look for subtle improvements that might not be apparent in real-time viewing

Technical Tools to Enhance Analysis

Modern video platforms offer tools that enhance frame-by-frame insights:

Drawing tools - Add lines to highlight angles and alignments
Side-by-side comparison - Directly compare different jumps or different riders
Slow-motion playback - Adjust speed to focus on particularly quick movements
Frame counting - Measure exact timing between events (e.g., aid application to response)

Creating Actionable Insights

The ultimate goal of frame-by-frame analysis is to create specific, actionable training adjustments:

Identify patterns, not just isolated instances
Prioritize issues based on their impact on overall performance
Connect observations to specific exercises that can address the identified issues
Create a baseline for measuring improvement in future videos
Document insights so they can be referenced during training

Conclusion

Frame-by-frame analysis is not merely about finding flaws—it's about developing a deeper understanding of the complex biomechanics and timing involved in successful jumping. By knowing precisely what to look for at each phase of the jumping effort, you transform video review from casual observation into a powerful training tool.

Remember that the goal is not perfection in every frame, but rather consistent improvement over time. Even the world's top riders continue to refine their technique through detailed video analysis. By developing this skill, you gain insights that were previously available only to those with years of professional experience—accelerating your development and deepening your understanding of this complex sport.