getting out there

First, find an equestrian park or stable that has some cross-country jumps. Talk to your trainer or find an eventing coach nearby to set up a schooling day (usually a group of horses and riders will go at the same time).

Your horse may be nervous if it’s his first time being ridden in the great wide open, but if you’ve done any trail riding, both of you will be more used to this. Everyone will warm up at the walk, trot and canter to get a feel for how their horses are going to act. Horses are usually at ease standing with the group, but the trainer will have you break off one at a time to hop over a log or two.

See how your horse reacts to leaving the group: does he get nappy and not want to move forward? Does he get overly excited and race off? If so, the trainer may send you off in a pair or have you follow a more experienced horse.

If all goes well jumping small obstacles such as logs, railroad ties or barrels, you may be ready to try the more complex elements of cross-country.

There are three obstacles that set cross-country apart from any type of arena jumping: water, banks and ditches. Inexperienced horses may have trouble with one or all of these, so it’s important to introduce them in a positive way.