Real-Life Math -- Solution
You are an equestrian preparing for a jumping competition. You know that you have to calculate distances for both your pony and your horse, and also calculate by deciding whether you will trot or canter your horse through the course. These are your answers:
1.) You know that your horse's stride at a trot is 5 feet. If you estimate that your pony's stride is about 3/4 as long, what is the length of your pony's stride?
To find 3/4 of 5, multiply 5 x 3/4
X = 5 x 3/4
X = 5 x 0.75
X = 3.75
Your pony's stride at a trot is 3.75 feet.
2.) Two jumps must be spaced 30 feet apart for a horse that is trotting to get 2 non-jumping strides between the fences. The jumps must be 20 percent further apart for the horse to canter 2 non-jumping strides between the fences.
What is the distance between the jumps for a horse that is cantering?
Trot = 30 feet
30 feet x 0.20 = 6 feet
30 feet + 6 feet = 36 feet
To be jumped at a canter, the jumps must be set 36 feet apart.
"After you've competed, you'll then want to add up penalty points, faults and time scores," says Jack Polo.