How to build a proper ditch/trakehner XC fence?

[kit279]

I've got a horse that really needs to jump a trakehner every day for 2 weeks to get him used to them, as at the moment I can only take him XC schooling occasionally. I've got somewhere suitable in mind and YO has a little digger storing dust in the barn so how do I go about building it properly?

How deep can it safely be? Do I need to line it or support the sides in some way? I need to be quite sturdy and obviously safe for the horses to jump. I can make one end wider than the other as well if need be.

Any advice?

 

[MandyMoo]

im not a builder or do i do much xc lol...but i would suggest that after you dig the rectangle type ditch thing that are always underneath trakheners, id probably say 2ft at the deepest if its just for practise?? (sorry if that sounds ridiculous! lol) and i would definitley support the sides with something, otherwise when the horse takes off, after a while the ditch walls might collapse underneath you :/

xxx

 

[Finnbob]

sides def need supporting or as marymoo said after a few jumps it will all fall in!

 

[Fiona]

Have you any local XC courses. If so take a quick run over in the car over the holiday, and examine their ditches/trakheners.

I'm sure it will be easy enough to 'see' how they have constructed it.

The you can try to replicate at home where i'm sure you could use slightly lighter materials (not everyone has loads of sleepers and telegraph poles lying about.

Post pics once you've done it.

Good luck

Fiona