How do I jump a ditch?

[alcraw]

Sorry for the stupid question, but I keep forgetting to ask people when I'm with them, so thought I'd ask here while it's in my mind!

On our regular hack there's a dried up stream - steep slope down and back up the other side. My horse loves to hop over it, but I keep getting left behind where I've leant back a bit to go down the slope! My level of riding is very basic so I've not had any cross country training!!!

 

[siennamum]

I would concentrate on not catching your horse in the mouth. Ideally have a neck strap or martingale strap and hold it when you are going down the hill, then shift your weight slightly forwards, allow your hands up the neck a bit and keep your legs on the girth or thereabouts. You should be able to keep up with the movement and stay that way up the hill the other side.