Field fence riding: techniques for success

Field fence riding is the heart of the cross-country phase in eventing. Dom and Jimmie Schramm, three-day event riders based in West Grove, Pennsylvania, know that a solid obstacle asks for straightness, trust and a steady forward rhythm. The horse must take off in balance, clear the fence and land ready for the next stride. Success comes from preparation that makes those actions routine.

This guide focuses on solid field fences, where a horse cannot see through the obstacle and must accept a clear takeoff point. The same principles travel well to Australian clubs and competitions, although terrain, weather, tack and local course design shape every outing. Learn the technique, then adapt it to the ground and the horse in front of you.

Reading the course and choosing a pace

Begin with a proper course walk rather than studying only the fence. Note the direction of approach, the distance to the next obstacle and the likely landing, especially on a slope or over a drop. For a solid fence, identify the balance point that will offer the horse the best chance of a clean takeoff.

Decide whether to canter or gallop before reaching the fence. A canter gives time to adjust the approach and often suits a younger horse; a controlled gallop suits experienced combinations and open gallops. Change pace early and smoothly. Sudden checks, hurried aids or trying to hold the horse in a stretched gallop can destroy the balance needed for takeoff.

Preparation starts before the horse leaves the stable. Dom and Jimmie describe the value of a quiet preliminary walk in their notes on warm-up walk benefits. A relaxed start helps the horse check its environment, connect with the rider and settle into the rider’s aids before faster work begins.

Building a balanced approach

Look for the approach as a line rather than a collection of separate aids. Ride the centre of the available track, then adjust gradually toward the fence’s jumping point. On a curving line, the horse may need a little more attention to the inside rein; on a straight approach, excessive steering can make the shoulders drift and disrupt the stride.

The horse needs enough energy to jump but enough balance to organise the takeoff. Maintain impulsion through a steady canter or gallop, using your seat and half-hunts rather than pulling the reins. A horse that has been allowed to become flat may attempt to jump from behind the bit, while excessive restriction can destroy forward intention.

Think in simple aids: lengthen slightly to establish a forward pace, deepen the half-hunt when the horse loses rhythm, and support the leg if the stride becomes uneven. Make one clear correction at a time. Small, precise changes preserve confidence and make the approach easier to repeat on another course.

Keeping position through the jump

At speed, adopt a light, forward seat without fixing the body in a rigid jumping position. Fold from the hip with the lower leg remaining under you and the heel down. This allows the rider’s weight to follow the horse’s motion without pressing into the saddle or pulling on the reins.

As the horse takes off, allow the neck to move forward and release the reins only after the hind legs leave the ground. Throwing the upper body ahead can unbalance the horse, while an early release removes the guidance needed for a square landing. The rider should look beyond the fence and prepare the upper body for the landing rather than staring at the obstacle.

Practise this movement away from competition. Canter poles, small banks and carefully designed fences develop the sense of staying with the horse through the arc. Work on both sides so the rider does not rely on one leading rein or one habitual direction. Short, frequent sessions are usually more useful than a demanding effort that leaves the horse tense and uncooperative.

Jumping solid fences with confidence

A solid fence asks the horse to trust what it cannot see. Calmness on the approach matters as much as athletic ability. Keep the horse’s head and eyes available by maintaining a soft contact, supporting with the leg and avoiding sharp rein corrections close to the obstacle. The rider’s quiet body gives the horse a clear signal to continue forward.

Look for a rounded shape over the fence without trying to force a dramatic bascule. The shoulders and hindquarters should remain coordinated so the horse can fold and unfold cleanly. If the rider sits back heavily, the horse may throw its forehand over the fence; if the rider folds too early, the hindquarters may trail and the landing becomes awkward.

Use straightforward training exercises to build confidence. Approach a narrow fence on a straight line, then repeat it from canter and at a steady gallop. Canter a low solid obstacle followed by a gentle recovery, rewarding calm departures. Each successful repetition should be followed by an easy transition so the horse finishes the exercise relaxed rather than frustrated.

Handling water, drops and combinations

Water is not a jump, but it still demands balance and clear communication. Find a secure position in the saddle, maintain a steady rhythm and let the horse use its head and neck. Avoid throwing your weight forward, pulling on the reins or trying to force the stride because the footing looks different. Many horses need a quieter contact and more time to accept the approach.

For a drop, keep the body centred and the lower leg stable. Do not fold early over the edge or lean back so far that you pull the horse onto the forehand. Allow the neck to extend as the horse steps down, then recover the canter smoothly on the landing. Practice from a low bank before attempting a competition drop.

Related fences require rhythm and confidence in equal measure. Ride accurately to the first obstacle and allow the horse to adjust its stride within the canter. On a galloping combination, preserve the forward pace rather than trying to correct every step independently. The horse needs to understand that its stride must lengthen or shorten enough for the next part of the course.

Adapting training to Australian conditions

Cross-country fitness develops through varied terrain, not simply fitness on a flat track. Include galloping uphill and downhill, long open stretches, changes of direction and safe combinations. Build work according to the horse’s age, soundness and previous experience. A sound horse that travels energetically but consistently will usually progress better than one pushed beyond its current strength.

Australian conditions deserve particular attention. Early-morning sessions can reduce heat stress in Melbourne and Brisbane, while Sydney riders may face heavy rain or fast-changing ground. Thunderstorms can leave deep footing quickly, and dry summer surfaces may become unusually hard. Check the going, adjust the route and protect the horse’s legs rather than following the training plan regardless of conditions.

The local equestrian market offers specialist boots, body protectors, studs and stable equipment through independent saddleries and online stores. Fit and condition matter more than brand or colour, and sizes can vary between products. Before ordering online, review equestrian gear information, compare measurements and allow time to test unfamiliar equipment safely at home.

Turning practice into competition readiness

A repeatable routine reduces surprises on cross-country day. Begin with the walk and warm-up, check tack and boots, then use a few school fences to establish rhythm before approaching the course. Know the planned pace, the key lines and the places where the horse may need encouragement. Familiarity with the routine allows more attention for the terrain and the partnership.

Progress gradually from familiar fences to unfamiliar designs, increased speed and more demanding terrain. Video can reveal a rider’s early movement or a horse’s inconsistent takeoff, while feedback from an experienced trainer or qualified coach helps separate a technical fault from a fitness issue. Record what worked after each outing, especially the pace, timing and balance.

Set one fixed-fence objective for the next session, such as maintaining a steady canter to a narrow solid fence or accepting a drop without rushing. Choose a suitable horse, inspect the course and prepare the tack before leaving the stable. Book the session, follow the plan and give the horse the time and repetition it needs to meet every obstacle with calm power.