As an avid trail rider, you're bound to encounter a log or fallen tree at some point. Crossing obstacles is expected of any good trail horse and is actually part of the fun of a trail-riding adventure.
The safest method for crossing a low trail obstacle is to walk over it. If the obstacle is more than a foot high, your horse will probably want to jump it, but for safety's sake, don't allow him to do so from a standstill.
"The greatest danger of injury to your horse is for him to jump at the last minute," says top trainer Lynn Palm. "It can also shake your confidence, because you can easily get left behind, thrown off balance, and end up snatching your horse's mouth. You want to have confidence that you can control your horse and his approach to an obstacle."
Gain the upper hand by setting up obstacles to practice at home so that when you encounter them on the trail, you and your horse both know what to expect. You can use poles or small logs for these lessons, but don't use PVC pipes; they'll roll if touched and can be dangerous if your horse steps on them.
Practice in an enclosed, safe area with good footing. A pasture is fine, as long as there are no loose horses. Before you begin, warm up your horse by riding him or working him on a longe line. Walk him at least 15 minutes before asking him to trot.
"Any time you want to teach your horse something or introduce something new, he'll be better able to concentrate if you exercise him prior to the lesson," explains Palm. "He'll also be less likely to challenge you just because he's feeling 'fresh.' "
To begin, cross obstacles in both directions at the walk. Eventually, you can work up to crossing at a trot and even at a lope/canter, if you like.
Step #1: Longe Over Poles
Introduce your horse to obstacles from the ground; when you know how he'll react, you can mount up and ride across.
Tack up your horse as usual, but put a conventional (not rope) halter over his bridle, or just use the halter. Attach a longe line by running it through the side ring on the halter's left side, then under his chin, and snapping it to the opposite side ring. Or, for more control, run the line over his nose and snap it to the opposite side ring. If your horse is quiet and obedient to commands, you can just snap the line directly to the left side ring.
Lay a pole or log flat on the ground perpendicular to a fence. The fence line will help direct your horse over the pole if he tries to avoid it. If you like, add cones on both sides to help him stay on a straight path on his approach to the pole.
Longe your horse in a large circle to the left a few times in front of the pole, then move forward so that his circle will take him over the pole. At first, allow him a fairly long approach so you can regulate his speed and direction of approach. If his speed isn't consistent, he may stumble over the pole; ask for a steady, even gait. If you cut his approach too close, he won't be balanced and may stop instead of walking on over the pole.
"This is a great test for your eye and reactions," says Palm. "If you can control your horse on the ground with this exercise, it'll give you the tools you'll need under saddle."
If your horse wants to stop and drop his head to check out the pole, let him do so. Give him a moment to look at it and sniff it. Most horses will swing their heads both left and right to look at the obstacle with each eye.
When your horse looks away from the pole (indicating he's finished examining it), encourage him to walk forward and over it. If you give him this opportunity when you first introduce an obstacle, he'll usually be more willing to go over it. This rule of thumb applies whether on the ground or in the saddle.
Once your horse accepts crossing the pole from both directions, add a second pole 12 feet farther down the fence. Have him approach the poles at a walk straight on, and encourage him to walk over both. Later, move the poles six feet apart and then three feet apart. Don't put them any closer than 2½-feet apart (one step between each pole) or he won't be able to negotiate them well.
On the trail, you can't control the distance between obstacles you encounter. Introducing obstacles at home gives your horse confidence; it also helps him concentrate and learn to step carefully between the obstacles so he can learn to gauge the distance himself.
After your horse masters crossing over two or more poles walking straight down the center, change your position so he must approach on a diagonal or angled track, an approach he'll likely encounter on the trail. Ask him to do so going both directions.
