Bullfinch (obstacle)

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A bullfinch is a type of cross-country fence seen in eventing. It is made up of a solid base with a screen of twigs or brush extending upward on top, up to 6 feet high. The horse is meant to jump the base and through the screen of twigs, rather than over. Due to the height of the brush, the horse can not see through to the other side. Therefore, the fence tests the horse's trust in his rider, as he does not know what he is jumping into on landing.

The horse should be taught to jump calmly through a bullfinch. If the horse believes he must clear the top of the brush, he may jump the entire obstacle, which could be disastrous if there is a drop off or another fence on the landing, or he may decide that the jump is impossibly high and refuse. To teach a horse to jump a bullfinch, it is best to start with a "screen" consisting of only a few twigs, so that the horse can easily see and jump through, before gradually adding more until the horse is unable to see the landing.

The rider must take care to stay tight in the saddle, as brush can wedge between the rider's leg and the horse, and lever her off her mount. She should approach the fence positively, with lots of impulsion, or else a stop may result.