Ditch

Most schooling facilities have a shallow ditch that’s not too wide or scary. Try not to look down at it, and keep your focus up and forward so your horse will do the same. Many horses will take a big leap on their first try, so be prepared: You don’t want to get popped loose and become unbalanced. Grab mane and ride as straight as you can.

TROUBLESHOOTING: If you horse hesitates, allow him time to look at the ditch and understand what you are asking him to do. He can lower his head and neck to sniff the ditch, but continue to squeeze your calves and urge him forward. Allow him to go side to side, but don’t circle and don’t let him back up if you can. Have a confident lead horse pass you and hop over the ditch again. At this point, you can back up or circle as long as it’s your idea and take another approach at the trot. Once your horse pops over the ditch calmly in both directions, it’s time to call it a day.

Always end cross-country schooling sessions on a positive note. Don’t ask too much of your horse, since he’ll have a lot to take in already. It’s important to build confidence progressively for both horse and rider. If you’re a new cross-country rider on an experienced horse, consider yourself very lucky!