Going cross-country

When the ground is spot on, taking your fave pony cross-country schooling is a must! But how can you get the most out your XC hire? Follow our guide and you’re sure to have your best ride yet! 

Top tip

It’s essential, and part of the rules, that you wear an up-to-date jockey skull and body protector when going cross-country.

Did you know? 

Lots of pros wear air jackets when XC riding for extra protection, but they must be worn over a body protector. 

1. Warm up wisely

As with any training session, it’s important you get your pony warmed up, thinking forwards and listening to your aids. You’re likely to have lots of space to warm up in, so use it wisely by riding lots of large circles and turns to get your pony supple and ready for action. 

2. Crack your canter

The quality of your pony’s canter is essential for jumping – whether you’re showjumping or going cross-country – so in your warm-up, spend some time focusing solely on canter. Pick up a two-point position and practise shortening and lengthening your pony’s stridaes to check his adjustability. Encourage him to stride forwards positively and in an established rhythm because this will help you feel more confident and nail the perfect stride into each jump. 

Did you know? 

Riding in a two-point position will help you stay in balance and allow your pony to move more freely.  

3. Mix it up

Going cross-country schooling is the ideal time to put all your skills to the test, so try to jump a variety of fences. Skinnies, steps, ditches, logs and brushes, there are so many elements to a cross-country course, so it’s good to get practice in, then you’ll be ready to tackle anything on competition day. 

Top tip

Be sure to check the ground you’re riding on, including the take-off and landing points, before jumping. Look out for bumpy terrain, holes and stony areas.  

Top tip

Make sure your pony’s fit enough before taking him schooling and avoid a super-intense session because it might make him tired and therefore more likely to make a mistake, which could knock your confidence. 

4. Ride on 

Are you tired of having time penalties? Well, the best way to save time on a course is to ride away from every fence, so practise this when training. Avoid stopping your pony after each jump or taking him back towards his friends. Instead, look up on landing and pick a point (whether it’s another obstacle or a tree) to aim for. Then, sit in two-point position and encourage your pony on to maintain the rhythm.

5. Piece it together

No matter if you’re new to cross-country or already on your way to being a pro, practising jumping a combination of fences when schooling is sure to help improve your skills. You could come up with a mini course, piecing together a variety of fences that include a good canter stretch in between, as well as some tricker combination fences. You and your pony will need to be fit enough to canter and jump for around six minutes, so by gradually stringing more obstacles together, you can build your fitness and be on your way to success!

Top tip

Why not see if your instructor can come along for your XC hire? It’ll be sooo helpful having them on hand for advice, which means you’ll get even more out of your sessions!

6. Try something new 

If you’re feeling ultra-confident, why not push yourself out of your comfort zone slightly and try something new? Maybe there’s a type of fence you’ve never jumped before, or you’re yet to have a go at jumping on an angle. It’s the perfect time to do this because, when it comes to comp day, you’ll feel great knowing that you’ve already aced it when schooling! 

Top tip

If you’re thinking of using studs at a competition, practise riding in them beforehand – your schooling session is the ideal opportunity. Ask your instructor for advice on the right studs to use because the type depends on the ground conditions.