Ditch Jumping 101 – Gentle Introduction for Young Horses

In this video, we’re taking a look at how to introduce young or inexperienced horses to ditch jumping for the very first time. We start right at the beginning, letting Barney have a good look at the plastic tray you often find at the bottom of competition ditches. Then, we progress to walking him over a flat representation – just some black plastic laid on the ground. It’s all about those small, steady steps!

Throughout this introduction, you’ll see a few key techniques in action. While we’re mindful of relying too heavily on food in training, a little treat can sometimes be a useful tool to encourage a horse to investigate something they’re unsure about. Loads of verbal praise and a good scratch are also essential for positive reinforcement.

You’ll also see me using a long line – this gives me the ability to ask Barney to move forward and release the pressure easily, without dragging him. It also keeps us at a safe distance in case he gets a bit overwhelmed and decides to buck or resist.

The brilliant thing here is having Pie lead the way. It makes crossing the ditch “fairly easy peasy” for Barney to just follow his confident friend. The emphasis is always on asking Barney to come over, giving him the time he needs to process what we’re asking, and never pulling him.

Body language and eye contact play a massive role too. You’ll see how important it is to use your body to guide the horse, often more so than relying on a long stick. This makes things much clearer and easier for both horse and handler. We also set the ditch up initially to make it harder for Barney to just run around the side.

Remember, it’s really important to practice going over the ditch from both directions. This stops your horse from becoming one-sided. And the most crucial thing of all? Make it fun! Training should be a positive experience for your horse.

Depending on the horse’s personality and how they’re feeling both physically and mentally, this introduction to ditch jumping might take a week of steady progress or could be achieved in a single day. It’s all about their individual pace.

Key Takeaways:

• Introducing scary obstacles like ditches needs a patient and positive approach. Having a calm, experienced lead horse can be a massive help. Using treats and praise can encourage them to explore.
• Safety is paramount when working over obstacles. Using the right gear, like a long line, and keeping a safe distance is vital to avoid getting hurt if the horse reacts unexpectedly. Good handling skills with the line are also key.
• Clear communication through your body language and being patient, giving your horse time to think, is essential for building their confidence and achieving success in training. Avoid forcing them; instead, ask and let them make their own decision. Topics: Ditch Jumping, Young Horse, Navigating Obstacles, Positive Reinforcement, Confidence, Common Phobias, Acceptance Training