The Bridge Obstacle

How to prepare your horse for crossing bridges on the trail.

More bridge images below

Asking your horse to cross a bridge for the first time can be very challenging, and most horses will not do it with confidence. The sound of their hooves on the bridge, rails or towering arches, and the narrowness are all intimidating to the horse. By preparing your horse for the challenge beforehand, you can teach your horse to safely cross a bridge..

Task:

Step up onto the bridge, box or platform, walk calmly over it, step down exactly where the handler or rider asks.

Common Mistakes:

Approaching the obstacle from an angle, stepping down midway, leaping off the end of the bridge.

Materials:

Platform or box (any shape or size).

Skills Required:

leading
whoa
sending (optional)

Precautions:

be prepared for your horse to leap or step down at any time
the obstacle must be strong enough to support the weight of your horse – don’t cross it unless you feel that it can

Preparation:

lead your horse to the obstacle
step up and down on the obstacle while your horse observes
walk across the obstacle, making a lot of noise with your boots
ask your horse to approach the obstacle
let your horse smell the obstacle
ask your horse to step up onto the obstacle (lead or send)
let your horse walk across the obstacle at any pace, and step off wherever they want to
repeat until you feel that your horse crosses confidently, stepping up where you ask and stepping down where you ask