Bank (obstacle)

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Pony Jumping Down Bank

Dropping down a bank as part of a combination of obstacles found in a sunken road.

A bank is a type of cross-country obstacle found in the sport of eventing. Banks are steps up [1] or down [2] from one level of land to another. There may also be a "staircase" of banks[3], to be ridden up or down. Banks up need a great amount of impulsion from the horse, rather than speed. Banks down, or drops, should be approached slowly, with minimal impulsion, as a horse that launches off a bank may land further down the downward slope on landing, stressing the legs, or may have trouble with the striding to a fence that is situated on the landing side of the bank. Banks are part of drop fences, as well.

Both up and down banks require the rider to be centered directly over her horse. On down banks, the rider slips the reins so the horse has freedom of his head and neck and sits backward, keeping her heel out in front, to absorb the shock of landing