Try Cross-Country

How to handle ditches, banks and water.

The sport of eventing is equal parts difficult and exciting. You must be able to perform an accurate dressage test, a controlled round of stadium jumping, and a forward but safe cross-country jump course. While you can practice dressage and stadium jumping at any barn with a ring and jumps, you’ll need to find a place for your first cross-country schooling sessions. Not every horse is confident enough to be alone out in the open, and some horses get so excited they may not be safe for a rider who is new to eventing.

Always wear a properly fitted helmet and protective vest when jumping solid obstacles. Your horse should have boots to protect his legs. You’ll also want a jumping crop and small spurs if your leg is steady and you know how to use them. You may not need to use them, but if your aids require a bit more “oomf,” you’ll be ready.