Cross-country schooling tips: water jumps - September 2, 2008
Expert advice on how to tackle water jumps from top riders and trainers
"When cross-country schooling, introduce your horse to water in walk. Only when he is happy to walk in and out of it, as well as through it, should you approach water jumps in a steady trot. Try trotting into the shallow end and jumping out, and then progress to jumping into the water via the lowest available step. Exaggerate the aids as you come out of water complexes – as water can have a 'dragging' effect."
Francis Whittington
"Make sure the base is solid when you first introduce a horse to water – the first time they encounter a water jump will be the one they remember."
Polly Stockton
"When you approach the edge of a water jump, get your lower leg forward and be prepared to slip the reins."
Chris King
"For horses who are awkward with water, practise as often as you can – even splashing through puddles or safe streams when you're out hacking. When jumping into water, it doesn't matter how far back you sit in the saddle – but if you are in front of the movement, you could end up going for an impromptu swim."
Lucy Thompson
"Always let the novice horse take their time going into water. They put one foot in at a time if they want to, but the rider has to keep encouraging them to go forwards."
Lucinda Green
Read more advice on how to practise jumping bogey cross-country fences in the September issue of Horse — www.horsemagazine.co.uk