XC Steps up

[southdowns]

Can anyone explain the theory behind why i shouln't be worried about my horse jumping up steps?

I have this ridiculous fear that he'll not see them and fall over

 

[WFL]

Going up steps is easy as the power comes from the back legs and propels them up. Going down steps is the scary bit as the horse's design is not really optimised for it!

 

[SteveGG]

I have to say that I have always found going down steps easier than going up. Normal steps up are usually fine the horses will see them and as drjames says the power comes from the back legs. If there are several steps then you do need to ensure that the canter is powerful (lots of impulsion) but not too fast or long.
I have had problems with steps out of water before and that is usually when the horse is so focussed on the jump afterwards that she doesn't see the step !

 

[southdowns]

Steve, thats more what i worry about, steps out of water and jumps up onto banks. Don't know where it stems from but its my biggest worry on the XC!

 

[WFL]

1 of my local XC schooling courses has a flight of 4 steps out of water which are very short (front to back) and my horse got the idea after a couple of goes that the easiest way is to tackle them in 1 go without stopping.

 

[kerilli]

go slowly at first up small ones, until the horse gets the hang of it. they aren't difficult for a horse at all, as long as you don't thump on their back or jab them in the teeth.
tbh the only ones that i've ever felt a horse actually have to make an effort up were the three big steps up on the old Dynes Hall A course. never felt a horse have a doubt or a problem at any other steps. i don't worry about them at all tbh.

 

[lifeslemons]

Yeh I have struggled with steps out of water. I tend to over-concentrate on seeing a stride and become reliant and obsessed with this, and obviously with drag of water makes this impossible. It's taken me a long time to just let the horse work it out themselves, and ensure they have their head and sufficient power. Many peeps have said never to ride for a stride in water, but I still battle against my natural instinct