Mastering Cross Country Skills
Taking on the challenge of riding and jumping cross-country entails navigating through hedges, ditches, water, and various other obstacles. This exhilarating aspect of competition requires both the horse and rider to be sufficiently prepared and confident, due to the solid structure of the fences that will not collapse if struck incorrectly.
To adequately handle the demands of cross-country courses, both horse and rider need to be physically fit. Even beginner-level courses often span about 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles), and many of them include steep or hilly terrain. Expecting a fatigued horse to gallop and jump is unfair, as is placing the additional stress of an exhausted, unbalanced rider on the animal.
Developing Control and Technique
To fully enjoy a cross-country competition or hunter trial, it’s crucial to have control over your horse. This mastery allows you to:
- Maintain a steady pace between fences
- Achieve balance and precision before jumping
- Keep your horse on the correct path for challenging obstacles
- Reduce speed for jumps into open areas or drop fences
- Approach intimidating fences with confidence
- Adapt your riding style based on your horse’s feedback
Moreover, acquiring the necessary technical knowledge ensures you can safely approach each obstacle with the best strategy for both you and your horse.
Teaching Your Horse to Jump Fixed Fences
Teaching your horse to jump fixed fences is an essential step in horse training. It’s a process that requires patience, consistency, and an understanding of your horse’s abilities and temperament.
Laying the Groundwork
Before engaging in cross-country jumps, your horse should already be proficient with basic jumping skills attained through gridwork and small courses of showjumps. During this early training stage, you may introduce your horse to small ditches and familiarize him with walking in and out of water. Only when your horse confidently clears 90cm (3ft) showjumps of various types should you initiate training on fixed fences.
Beginning Cross Country Training
Initial cross-country sessions should be conducted on a course with well-built but small fences. It’s important for your horse to understand — without inflicting self-injury — that these fences won’t give way upon contact. Whilst it may seem lenient to start with lightweight fences, solid structures are more inviting to the horse and encourage cleaner jumps.
Start with small logs or upright structures such as post-and-rail fences or palisades. Training centers or cross-country courses, available for hire, usually incorporate smaller versions of fences found at competitions, including ditches, small steps (both ascent and descent), and water fences.
Progressing to Larger Fences and Venue Exploration
Once your horse happily handles smaller (around 75cm/2ft 6in) solid fences, consider visiting venues of larger horse trials for schooling sessions that are often available on these courses. These venues present a useful next step in your horse’s training efforts. Furthermore, event rider clinics conducted at these venues offer a wealth of knowledge and insight and can guide you regarding an appropriate pace for your horse based on his training level.
Preparing for the First Competition
By the time you sign up for your first competition, your horse should be capable of maintaining a good rhythm at a solid canter and tackling any fence with ease. You need to have control over the horse’s speed, as certain fences may demand a slower approach or a trot. Initially, concentrate on building confidence rather than speed or overcoming challenging alternatives in both yourself and your horse.
Tackling Cross Country Fences
Navigating cross-country fences can be challenging but rewarding for both horses and riders. Each type of fence requires a distinct approach strategy.
Upright Fences
Upright fences can be trickier for horses to judge compared to spread fences, necessitating a slower, more controlled approach. Focus on perfecting the horse’s impulsion – its forward motion balanced with collected energy.
Parallel Fences
A strong, increasing stride is crucial to successfully jumping parallel fences due to the ample impulsion needed.
Combination Fences
For combination fences, assess the distances attentively and decide on your line. It’s vital to provide ample time for the horse to understand the task at hand.
Bounce Fences
Approach bounce fences with a short, energetic canter full of impulsion. The intensity of the pace depends on the distance and the construction of the two parts. For example, if the second part is a broad spread, a quicker pace is required compared to when both parts are uprights. Maintain the horse’s round shape, ensuring constant contact and leg aid.
Trakehner Fences
Trakehners, which consist of a rail suspended over a ditch, demand a strong canter approach. Be prepared for your horse to adjust stride length when he identifies the ditch.
Fences with a Ditch
A ditch in front of a fence typically prepares the horse for a solid jump – it’s often the rider that gets more nervous than the horse. Ensure you approach with adequate impulsion.
Hollow Fences
Also known as ‘coffins’, these fences necessitate ample impulsion coupled with a short, bouncy canter. The horse needs time to assess that it can land smoothly without falling into the ditch, so keep a solid leg contact to boost impulsion if the pace is slow.
Sunken Road Fences
Approaching this obstacle is strikingly similar to handling a hollow fence.
Bullfinch Fences
For this type of brush fence, a strong, short-striding canter is needed.
Bank Fences
Aim for a high-impulsion approach, encouraging the horse to engage their hindquarters effectively.
Corner Fences
Determining the right line to follow is crucial for corner fences. Mentally dissect the angle between the two rails and aim to jump the imaginary line at a right angle.
Drop Fences
With drop fences, the aim is to prompt the horse to jump outward rather than drop down steeply, necessitating a lengthening stride approach without increasing speed too much.
Fences on a Hill
Tackling a fence at the top of a downhill slope demands a bouncy, short-striding canter to prevent early take-offs, whereas a fence at the bottom of a slope requires the same approach but with the horse standing off the fence.
Ski Jump Fences
Ski jumps are best tackled at a slow trot, but remember, a slower pace implies more reliance on the rider’s leg strength.
Steps
Approach steps going downhill with a short, bouncy canter or a trot. For steps going uphill, a strong, rounded canter is needed, with the horse’s hind legs deeply engaged.
Water Fences
For fences leading into water, a slow yet strong pace is ideal. Keep your horse collected, as this also applies to jumping fences located within water.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tackling Cross Country Fences
Q: What gear is crucial for cross country fences?
A: Essential gear for cross country fences includes a suitable cross country helmet, well-fitting boots for your horse like brushing or overreach boots, and a protective riding vest. Safety stirrups and gloves for good grip can add to your safety and comfort.
Q: How can I prepare my horse for cross country schooling?
A: Start with simple jumps to build your horse’s confidence prior to moving onto complex fences. Training your horse on natural terrains like hills and uneven surfaces is advantageous. Also, develop good control over your horse’s speed and direction, which is key for cross country challenges.
Q: How do I approach a cross country fence?
A: Approach the fence straight-on, maintaining a rhythmic and consistent pace. Do not rush; rather let the horse jump out of stride. As the rider, ensure you are balanced and centered over the saddle, and give the horse plenty of rein to stretch its neck over the fence.
Q: How should I ride a drop fence?
A: When riding a drop fence, shift your weight back and allow a generous release to accommodate your horse stretching out. Keep your eyes onwards and move with the horse’s motion, recovering your position after the horse has landed.
Q: How can I tackle water obstacles?
A: Make sure your horse is comfortable with water by exposing it to similar scenarios during training. Approach water obstacles in a calm being prepared for a bigger jump as horses tend to leap into water.
Q: How essential is the rider’s position while jumping?
A: The rider’s position is crucial for maintaining balance and influencing the horse’s ability to jump successfully. A centered position over the saddle, with weight equally distributed over your feet, can help your horse maintain balance and clear the fence effectively.
Q: What are the common mistakes to avoid?
A: Rushing towards the fence, not ensuring a straight approach, riding in an unbalanced position, or not giving the horse enough reins to stretch out are common mistakes to avoid while tackling cross country fences.
Q: How to maintain rhythm during cross country course?
A: Maintain a steady rhythm by keeping a consistent forward pace. Use your body and legs more than your hands to control this rhythm. Remember, horses are more confident when allowed to move forward at a steady pace.
Q: How to ensure my horse’s safety during the ride?
A: Regularly check and maintain all tack and equipment for any potential wear and tear. Protective boots for the horse can prevent injuries. After the ride, check your horse’s legs for any cuts or abrasions, which should be treated immediately.
Q: How to build my horse’s confidence for cross country?
A: Building confidence largely comes from consistent positive experiences. Start with easier fences and gradually increase complexity as your horse gets comfortable. Always finish on a good note to keep their confidence high.
