How to learn to overcome barriers cleanly?

Does your horse regularly knock down all the poles while jumping? There can be many reasons: rider errors, horse imbalance, and even health problems. If you are sure that your horse is fine and the poles keep falling off the posts, then the FEI advises you to do some exercises to help solve the problem.

Photo: Prokoni.ru editors

Get a little closer to the barrier

When you are working on improving your jumping technique and developing caution in your horse, getting a little closer to the barrier can be really helpful. The horse will be forced to push hard with his hind legs, lift his shoulders and stretch his neck to clear the barrier without error.

But, nevertheless, it is important to maintain a quality and rhythmic canter. In order to approach the desired repulsion point, it is better to place a “tip-pole” about three meters from the barrier. The exact distance depends on your horse.

You can also do this exercise at a trot.

Cross jumping

Crossing is a very good exercise for horse and rider. The barrier focuses attention on the middle, and also encourages the horse to lift his legs higher than usual, and “turns on” the back.

Low but wide oxer

Low and wide oxers can be included in the gymnastic series, and can also be used as an independent exercise. They do a great job of helping reckless horses pay attention to the barrier, and also teach them to “open and stretch” in the jump, which engages the back.

Gymnastic row

Gymnastic rows can be used in a variety of ways to encourage a horse to be more careful while jumping.

For example, if you have a young horse, the row should not be too difficult. It is better to put barriers of small height, except for one – the last one. It can be a little higher and stand 2 or 3 paces from the penultimate barrier within the row. This will help the horse improve his jumping technique as well as build his self-confidence, which will later teach him how to use his body effectively and clear routes.

Source