Cross country schooling for the dressage horse?

Laura F · Well Schooled

Cross country schooling for the dressage horse?

Codaman · Foal

Allo. I have a young guy so I try and do as much with him as possible - although right now we are primarily training in dressage.

My barn has a large field behind it and I take him out to gallop. I practice galloping in two point and have him come back to me using only my seat. It really is a continuation of the dressage seat training. I want him to speed up and slow down based on my seat pressure. I also practice going as straight as possible in the middle of the field and doing large serpantines in the long grass. I just want him to get use to having to w/t/c through any kind of grass.

When I can, I go to clinics that allow us to jump low cross country jumps under supervision. The Caledon Hunt club is perfect to school at as is Foggy River and Wood Winds.

I notice that this kind of training is helping him respond to my requests in all kinds of environments and it is really building our trust. We usually go out in the field alone which means we really rely on each other.

Sorry for the long winded answer!! Hope this helps.

Laura F · Well Schooled

Yes, this is very helpful. You've given me some great ideas!! :)

brianshell · Foal

Me too. Thanks!!

Jackie Cochran · Advanced

I recommend hill work, uphill and downhill, with a lot of this work done on loose reins and in two-point. Start at a walk, when your horse feels strong enough trot uphill, and after several weeks start a canter uphill. I have read that trotting uphill takes more energy than cantering. I just walk downhill.
I have found hill work wonderful for strengthening the hind quarters. The down hill work also encourages the engagement of the hind-quarters, on a steep hill the horse has to engage the whole hind end from the top of the croup down to the ground.
If you are on flat land try and find ANY slope to work on. If you have many choices of hills start work on the gentler slopes and graduate to the steeper ones. You may be surprised how much this work will pay off.

Katherine F · Well Schooled

Hill work, and a good gallop are both important elements for horses in any discipline. They are great for refreshing the rider too!

Barbara F · Grand Prix

I take my horse through walks in the woods and I jump him over one-foot jumps. Does that count?!

He seems to love it!

prospect · Advanced

my sons event so we have a 15 acre pasture that has cross jumps in it - we use this as a galloping field as well - Good for their mind - I also like to take them to the regional forest for hacks.