Learn to Cross Water with Your Horse

Water crossings are common on most every trail. But do you and your horse cross without worry or do you ride along the banks, hoping the water will dwindle to a drip?

When you do cross water, does your horse move forward obediently and quietly, or is he anxious and ready to jump even the smallest water source?

Here, top clinician/trainer Julie Goodnight demonstrates the safe and proper way to introduce your horse to a water crossing, then cross it slowly and safely. She’ll first help you identify the best place to cross. Then she’ll show you how to move calmly through the ripples and currents.

Exercise Prep

Horsemanship lesson: You’ll learn a safe sequence of steps that will help you introduce your horse to moving water. Then you’ll learn how to cross safely.

Why you need it on the trail: As a trail rider, you’ll likely encounter a water crossing now and then. Even dry areas can get enough rain to temporarily create water obstacles. You’ll show your horsemanship savvy by crossing water safely and purposefully.

Goodnight says she often sees riders who think it’s fun to jump water or to allow their horse to dash to the other side. Jumping water is a great risk, because you can seldom be sure of the footing. It also suggests that your horse is spooked by the water and is moving of his own accord instead of obeying your precise go-forward cues. Plus, it’s poor trail etiquette to speed up when the rest of the group is trying to stay at a walk.

Goodnight also sees riders who allow their horses to paw and play in the water without a correction; this behavior suggests the horses are ready to roll. While rolling is a bad idea anytime a rider is on board, rolling in moving water puts riders at risk for being swept away.

What you’ll do: You’ll help your horse negotiate a crossing by invoking his herd instincts. With a riding buddy to lead you, your horse will see that he’s safe, learn to stand and relax mid-stream, then understand that your usual riding cues apply in this new environment.

What you’ll need: Find a riding buddy with a trusty, stream-savvy trail horse who can act as your horse’s mentor and stay with you throughout your training session.

You’ll also need to do some scouting. Find out which water crossings are appropriate for first-time training sessions. As a general guideline, look for a water crossing that’s flat and well-traveled by horses.

The stream shouldn’t be too deep or too fast. Look for a water crossing you could walk across without the water reaching above your knees or without a current that would prompt you to lose your balance. Look for clear water that allows you too see the footing on the bottom. Avoid muddy and boggy crossings or ones with too much slick rock.

Don’t apply a tie-down or any tack that might prevent your horse from using his head and neck for balance if the water is unexpectedly deep and he needs to swim. Tie-downs can be lethal if your horse needs to raise his head above water to breathe.

Skills your horse will need: Your horse should be responsive to your cues to move forward, stop, back, and side to side. You’ll need good steering and speed control at the walk and trot while riding in open spaces. If your horse is familiar with easy trail obstacles (such as crossing poles or logs), you can better trust that he’ll go where you ask.

Step #1. Approach With Care

Outfit your horse in his usual riding gear, and ride to your preplanned flat water crossing. Ask your riding buddy to ride ahead, then follow her to the water’s edge (Photo 1A).