10 Steps To Jumping Confidence

Increase your chances of going clear on the cross-country course with top tips from event rider Austin O’Connor

- Austin O'Connor

1 Warm up well

“It’s essential your horse’s muscles are properly warmed up for going cross-country,” says Austin. “Work him in all three paces on both reins, making lots of transitions. Ride from one pace to another, and within the paces, such as from working canter to medium canter and back again.

“Check the horse is working forwards into a secure rein contact and that he’s responsive to your leg, seat and hand aids.

“When you ask him to go quicker with your legs he should react immediately. Likewise, when you take a check on the reins he should slow down and come back to you straight away.

“Then, pop over a few simple warm-up fences to check your horse is attentive and fully listening to you.

“Walk your horse around for a few minutes to allow him to get his breath back before setting out on course.”

2 Build confidence

According to Austin, a lack of confidence is something many riders suffer from.

“It’s important to resolve this because if you are nervous you won’t ride positively and will be more likely to encounter problems,” he says. “Find a good instructor you trust, who will help you to move on with your training slowly but surely, so you can ride in a more positive and effective way.

“The key to successful cross-country riding is to introduce new challenges gradually, which will instil confidence in you both. A good instructor will know what you and your horse are capable of and how far to push you.

“Going too far out of your comfort zone before you are ready could get you into trouble, which will only serve to knock your own and your horse’s confidence.”

3 Develop a secure leg position