Cross Country

[Jumper]

I have two questions. Can you compete in cross country by itself and not do the three day events? How would you train a horse for cross country? Thanks-Jumper

[Sarah]

hello!

Yes you can do cross country by itself - often the competitions are called Hunter Trials (as the obstacles are similar to those which you would meet hunting).

To train a horse to do cross country he needs to be fit - but not super fit if you are just doing a short little course. There have been several posts on how to get your horse fit, do a search on 'fit'. You need to get your horse jumping spread jumps comfortably - very few cross country jumps are narrow uprights like with showjumps. You also need to make sure you can have a nice steady canter - the quality of the canter is important with cross country.

Do you have any more specific questions?

bye!

[JoeyJoJo]

What would be the best way to go about doing your first ever XC course? I dont want to do one yet, as I havnt got the confidence, but just for future reference.

The yard where I ride has their own XC course consisting of beginner, novice and intermediate fences. The beginners fences don't actually look too bad.

Before my friends horse was put down at the start of the month, she couldn't ride him as he was sore all over and for excercise we used to take him for walks round the XC course and looking at those huge intermediate fences terrified me!

There is a huge water jump (the kind where you jump into the water then out again), a huge wall, steps with a jump at the top, a horrible looking 'fan' style jump with a massive drop and loads more! I shouldnt be worrying about these just yet I suppose, but Im just wondering if I'll ever get to jumping those and I've always wanted a go on an XC course.

Do you think I should hire it out and pop round the beginners course?

[LindaAd]

I don't think it's a good idea to go out on a cross-country course by yourself, JoeyJoJo. Go with a friend, or with an instructor.

The first time I ever went on a cross-country course I asked an instructor to take me for an hour on the littlest jumps. I was so terrified after the first couple that I had to pretend there was something wrong with my stirrups so that I had time to stop shaking... But after that I felt I could go round the in the littlest novice class in a competition. It was brilliant.

[JoeyJoJo]

Oh yeah - I was DEFINITLY planning on taking someone with me!!!

I don't know what I'd be like on my own!!

[Sarah Radcliffe]

hello!

I would third the idea of going with someone else. Go with someone who is good and confident and you can just follow then round the course the whole way. Then if you want you can do a few jumps going first to get a taste for it. The first time a rider or horse does cross country has to be a good confidence instilling occassion!

bye!

[Kristy]

Here in good ol' Oz before you can compete on the XC course, you need to attend 2 XC training Days. (I think). I've never been on a course YET. But I hope to SOON!
Goodluck with it and remember to RELAX and have FUN!

Kristy