Do You Really Need Tons of Equipment to Train a Jumping Horse?

Have you ever looked at professional training setups and thought, "Do I need all that to prepare my horse?" It’s a valid question, especially when resources, space, or time are limited. Let’s explore what’s really essential for effective training and how you can achieve extraordinary results with minimal equipment.

What Is the Bare Minimum?

For show jumping, the basics are straightforward: a few poles, some jump wings or stands, and a tape measure. To consolidate, you might add fill, planks, or water trays to simulate competition environments. These are relatively easy to recreate at home.

But what about cross-country?

Eventing riders face unique challenges: ditches, banks, skinnies, and water complexes. These obstacles are hard to replicate at home without permanent facilities, which are often expensive, space-intensive, and require constant maintenance. Does this mean you’re at a disadvantage? Absolutely not.

The Secret Ingredient: Trust

The number one thing you need to train effectively is trust—mutual trust between you and your horse. Why? Because trust is the foundation of everything. When you and your horse trust each other, you can confidently approach any challenge, even a jump neither of you has seen before.

But how do you build trust?

• Trust requires relaxation: Horses (and riders) can’t learn when they’re tense. Relaxation opens the door to clear communication and effective training.

• Effective communication starts with your position and aids: Stable, consistent aids promote understanding. Confusion creates tension; clarity fosters confidence.

Breaking It Down: How to Build Trust

1. Confidence is Key
   The number one way to build trust is to build confidence—both yours and your horse’s. Confidence grows when training is positive, achievable, and consistent.

2. Consistency Creates Confidence
   Horses thrive on consistency. A predictable environment and clear cues help them feel secure, which, in turn, builds their trust in you.

3. Effective Communication Fuels Consistency
   Every time you interact with your horse, you’re communicating. Effective communication comes from clarity—your aids, your position, and your intentions. When your horse understands what you’re asking, they’ll respond with trust and willingness.

Applying This to Cross-Country Training

Take the example of an eventing rider I’ve started working with. The horse has never seen ditches, banks, or water complexes—common challenges on a cross-country course. Without access to specialised facilities, we focus on building trust and confidence through foundational work:

• Simulating the unfamiliar in familiar ways: For example, using poles to mimic ditches or setting up narrow lines to practice precision for skinnies.

• Gradual exposure: Introducing new challenges incrementally ensures the horse’s confidence isn’t shaken.

• Trust-building exercises: Whether it’s riding over simple obstacles or working on rhythm and relaxation in flatwork, the goal is to ensure the horse is relaxed and receptive.

Why Trust Outweighs Equipment

When trust is your foundation, your horse learns to trust you even in unfamiliar situations. Imagine approaching a jump neither of you has seen before. A horse trained with trust won’t hesitate—they’ll leave the ground with you because they believe in your guidance.

This approach isn’t just about cross-country or show jumping; it applies to all disciplines and all levels of riding. Training doesn’t require a fancy setup—it requires a commitment to understanding, consistency, and trust.

So, can you train effectively with minimal equipment? Absolutely. The true key lies in the relationship you build with your horse. Focus on trust, and the results will speak for themselves.

To develop trust in your jumping canter, you can train effectively with just three poles - sign up for my free exercises here.

Thank you so much for being here!
Until next time,
Merindah