ProHorse Plankers™

A plank is an airy, upright question — introduce it gently.

1. 01Start with the plank set low and a ground line clearly in front of it.
2. 02Let the horse walk up to it in hand or on the lunge and look at it before jumping.
3. 03Approach in a steady trot on a straight line, eyes past the fence.
4. 04Keep the plank on a long side to begin with rather than off a turn.

TipPlanks look solid but are airy — a clear ground line helps the horse read the take-off point.

Build accuracy and adjustability over an upright.

1. 01Raise the plank gradually and remove the ground line only once the horse is confident.
2. 02Jump it off both reins, and off a turn as well as a straight approach.
3. 03Add a related distance to a filler fence and ride an exact number of strides.
4. 04Vary canter length on the approach so the horse waits rather than flattens.

Use it as the fence that tests care and rideability.

1. 01Set it at competition height as a true vertical with no ground line.
2. 02Place it late in a course, or as the second element of a combination.
3. 03Use it in jump-off lines where riders must turn tight and stay straight.
4. 04Alternate the plank with a gate so the horse jumps the fence, not the pattern.

TipAlways fit FEI-standard safety cups on the back rail of any oxer, work on level, well-maintained going, and wear a helmet and body protector.