Ditch (obstacle)

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Ditches are commonly seen on cross country courses at all levels of eventing, and may be up to 11'10" at the advanced four-star level. Ditches test the bravery of the horse and rider, and may used alone [1] or in a combination of jumps, such as in a coffin, or in front of or after a fence [2] [3] [4], as well as underneath as a trakehner [5]. Ditches should be ridden positively forward. Most eventers increase the stride length as they approach a ditch, and keep their horse's head up so he can not look down into the obstacle and get on his forehand. The rider should never look into the ditch, but should focus ahead, which will keep her balance correctly aligned and will best allow the horse to jump. [6].