Western
Intermediate
15 min
Ranch Riding: Log Sitting Trot-Over
Focus: Confidence, Body Awareness, Patience
Equipment: 2-3 ground poles or small logs
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Set up 2-3 poles or small logs (6-8 inches diameter) spaced 6 feet apart.
- Sitting Sitting Trot your horse toward the logs at a flat-footed sitting sitting trot.
- The horse should step calmly over each log without rushing, stopping, or jumping.
- Let the horse look at the logs. A confident horse will lower its head to inspect, then step over.
- Maintain a steady sitting sitting trot rhythm throughout. One pole at a time.
- Practice until the horse sitting sitting trots over logs as if they're part of the trail.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- The horse jumping the logs instead of stepping calmly over them.
- Rushing through because the horse is nervous about the obstacles.
- The rider pulling up on the reins, preventing the horse from lowering its head to see the obstacles.
- Poles or logs rolling under the horse's feet because they're not stable.
Variations & Progressions
- Add different obstacles: small ditches, water puddles, bridges.
- Practice at the jog over the logs for a harder challenge.
- Scatter poles at random angles for a more realistic trail simulation.
Tip: Walk-overs should be boring. The calmer your horse is over obstacles, the better prepared it is for trail class and real trails.
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