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3 tips to successfully negotiate steps on a cross-country course

Gemma Redrup Gemma Redrup

    • Training your horse to jump up and down steps should come at a time when you feel your horse is accomplished enough in his education thus far to face such a question on a cross-country course. Here are some things you should consider before tackling steps.

    1. Start small

    First and foremost walk your horse up and then down small steps until they aren’t backing off or rushing. You are looking for them to maintain their walk rhythm despite the step or drop. Approach straight so you are on line and your horse can prepare. Be ready to react if your young or inexperienced horse takes a giant leap up or down the steps or when jumping a drop fence — this is one of the reasons why you shouldn’t jump down too high a step to start with as you run the risk of your horse losing trust.

    2. Position

    Don’t let your legs swing back. Your horse will stretch his neck forward and down so that he can use it to balance with going down a step. Even with long reins, the rider should maintain a light contact with the horse’s mouth. In no circumstances should the reins be too short. For the less experienced rider, it is always better to use a neck strap or hold the mane than to pull the horse in the mouth. Sit up if you are going down a step and think a little towards a jumping position if you are going up a step.

    3. Canter

    The key to jumping steps in an upwards direction is the quality of the canter. Collect your horse’s stride so he’s like a bouncing ball, with power, balance and energy — the canter needs to be strong so that he can bounce up the steps. Don’t confuse an energetic canter with a fast canter — really sit him back on his hocks. Keep a bouncy rhythm throughout the obstacle and try to avoid building up speed.

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    Gemma Redrup
    Gemma Redrup

    Former H&H features, racing and point-to-point editor
    Gemma is an experienced journalist, who was a member of H&H staff from 2014 to September 2025. She is passionate about all equestrian sports, including racing and point-to-pointing. She has enjoyed riding out for top trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took part in a charity Flat race at Epsom in August 2018. Gemma’s has reported from numerous five-star events around Britain and Europe, as well as European championships.
    Gemma Redrup

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