Trail / General
Intermediate
20 min
Bank Step-Up and Step-Down
Focus: Confidence, Balance, Athleticism
Equipment: Small bank or step (6-12 inches)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Find or create a small bank (6-12 inch step up). Approach at the walk.
- Let the horse see the bank. Encourage it to step up with a cluck and leg pressure.
- The horse should step up calmly, not jump. Walk forward 3-4 strides after stepping up.
- Turn around and approach the bank from above (step-down). This is usually scarier.
- Allow the horse to pause at the edge, look down, and then step off deliberately.
- Practice both up and down 4-6 times until the horse is relaxed in both directions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- The horse jumping up the bank instead of stepping, which can be unbalancing.
- Not allowing the horse to look at the step-down before committing.
- Going too fast, not giving the horse time to balance itself.
- Starting with a bank that's too high for the horse's confidence level.
Variations & Progressions
- Progress to larger banks (18-24 inches) as confidence grows.
- Trot up and walk down for a more advanced exercise.
- Combine bank work with water: step down into water.
Tip: Banks appear on every cross-country course. A horse comfortable with small banks at home will handle course banks confidently.
