Fear of going down hills....

[Nikita88]

Im starting cross country, we have done cross country jumps before just non on hills. At our cross country course, we have alot of the jumps at the bottom of a hill. The problem is, i never took a jump going down a hill. I dont know what it is that makes me so nervous to canter or even trot down the hill. im a very cautious person, so stuff like this isnt easy for me. Any suggestions to get over that fear? or anything that would help me with this?

Thanks! :)
*Jen*

[Sunny D]

I never enjoyed jumping downhill either!
Only way I found was to take them very steadily, making sure you and horse were balanced. Ensure you dont fold too much, sitting up quickly upon landing and be prepared to slip the reins to the buckle if need be!!

The more you do the more confident you & horse will become. Try not to worry about them too much though, that is just one fence out of approx 20!!

good luck

[Big Ears]

Can't help as I don't like going down hill at more than a walk!

My mare used to be crafty and would stretch down, grab the reins and tank off down hill - so that didn't help.

I think it all depends on how well balanced and schooled the horrse is - if they are on the forehand it is a nightmare.

[Nikita88]

Shes was a cross country horse before i got her. Shes only 10 years old, so shes still young and still has alot of learning to do. But she was awesome at cross country and is very well behaved for being an arab/t'bred mare!! So i know she can do it...i dont know if im ready for it!! Thanks for the help :)

[kedwards]

Can you get out there and just practice on the hill? Maybe start by trying to get a big walk, then a few steps of trot, then a little more trot, then trot all the way down, then a few steps of canter, etc.?

I do share your concern. Downhills were (and still are) my biggest concern now that I'm starting to dabble in some combined training. We have some good hills on the small trails network by my barn, but they are narrow and rocky, so I can't safely practice riding down them at speed.

[Nikita88]

Thanks kedwards :) Thats a good idea just to start into it slow like you said. i was like gonna do a walk, then a trot then a canter all the way down. but i think it will help lots if i do what you said like take a few trot steps and so on

[lucy badham]

practice at home going down tiny banks. You dont do your jumping position when going down hill just sit back, leg on and give your horse plenty of reign its really easy when you get the hang of it. If your horse doesnt like it either follow a horse that does x