How to Successfully Ride Oxers

Oxers are large fences that not only ask your horse to judge height, but to clear width. An oxer is two, separate sets of rails with standards that are spread a certain distance apart. These fences can, and usually do, incorporate items inside the fence, such as a gate. The top rails are hung above the object inside. There are also different types of oxers including square, ramp and Swedish. Oxers are fun to jump, as the different types challenge your horse in various ways. You must be proficient to jump an oxer and be able to easily stay with your horse over the fence. Most horses jump oxers "big," meaning they use more power from their hindquarters when taking this type of fence. Oxers are used in hunter, jumper and equitation classes.

Instructions

    • 1

      Know the oxer types. While you would probably never be at a show and jump an oxer without schooling one first at home, it's fair to be well versed in the type of oxer you might encounter. Square oxers' top, front and back rails are the same height, making them square. They are used in jumper and equitation classes. A ramp oxers' first rail is lower than the second top rail, making it like a ramp. These fences are used in all classes. Swedish oxers are used in jumper and equitation classes. This fence is unusual as the first and second top rails are slanted in opposite directions from each other, creating a cross rail at the top.

    • 2

      Keep your balance. In order to clear fences successfully, both the rider and horse must keep their balance. However, loss of balance is typically seen with riders, not horses. When horses free jump, they have no problem clearing a fence because they have nothing on their back. When you ride, having a good seat and excellent lower leg control will keep you with your horse over the fence. If you are left behind or get ahead of your horse's motion, it is inevitable that your horse will not jump to the best of his ability, and is subject to refusals, dropping rails and running out. An oxer is not the fence to make mistakes on, so do your flat work and have a tight, secure lower leg. Your leg determines the rest of your body, and riders must work from the bottom up in order to be strong over fences.

    • 3

      Use proper aids. When riding your horse, the second most important thing you need to do is use proper aids. In other words, if you are legging your horse on but hanging on his mouth, your horse will be confused. Ask your horse for a good canter and keep him there - forward, soft and collected. Push him forward with your legs and seat and maintain soft contact with your hands. If you are not able to coordinate these basic aids, go back to work on the flat before jumping an oxer, or jumping any fence at all.

    • 4

      Let you horse choose the spot. While riders can assist their horses and choose the right take off spot, some horses do best when left picking it on their own. If you get the right canter, are in good balance and riding with your horse, allow him the freedom to choose. It's certainly acceptable to determine stride between fences, but fiddling with your horse's approach leaves room for error. Problems occur when riders attempt to maneuver their horses. Sit and wait for your horse, whether he jumps big (long) or gets right up to the fence and pops over (short).

    • 5

      Work with a trainer. Professional equine instructors are worth their weight in gold. Use a trainer in all of your lessons, and include training rides for your horse, too. When jumping, it is best to have a set of eyes on the ground. A trainer will correct mistakes and determine if your horse is ready for bigger fences.