In equestrian sport, a bank is a raised obstacle — typically a solid mound of earth — that horses are required to jump onto, across, or off during cross-country competitions. Unlike traditional fences, banks introduce a vertical element that challenges both horse and rider in terms of balance, approach speed, and landing technique. They are a defining feature of eventing cross-country courses and are widely used at all levels from grassroots to four-star.
Bank Jumps in Cross-Country
A bank jump in show jumping and eventing requires the horse to leap up onto a raised platform of earth, take one or two strides across the top, and then jump off the other side. The horse must shift its centre of gravity dramatically on landing — first absorbing the impact of jumping up, then collecting itself for the drop off the far edge.
Banks vary considerably in complexity:
Simple banks — a single step up or down, used frequently in novice-level cross-country to introduce horses to the concept of jumping elevated ground without a traditional fence involved.
Combination banks — these may involve jumping a fence onto a bank, taking strides, and jumping off over another element. They require precise striding and good rider judgement on approach pace.
Coffin banks — incorporating a ditch alongside a bank element, the coffin is one of the more technically demanding cross-country combinations. The optical illusion created by the ditch can cause horses to back off and is a known site for run-outs at all levels.
Approach speed matters more on a bank jump than many other fence types. Coming in too fast leaves the horse no room to balance on landing; coming in too slowly risks the horse losing impulsion and stopping. Riders typically ride forward but in balance, allowing the horse to see the obstacle and judge its own takeoff.
Training Horses Over Banks
Introducing a horse to bank obstacles should be done progressively. Many horses encounter banks for the first time during early cross-country schooling sessions, typically starting with a simple step-up from flat ground. Positive early experiences are invaluable — a horse that has been frightened off a bank jump carries that memory.
Good training over banks develops the horse’s confidence, teaches it to look after itself on landing, and builds the hindquarter strength needed for the powerful push-off required. Grid work, gymnastic exercises, and hillwork all contribute to developing the athleticism a horse needs to tackle bank complexes with confidence.
Rider Position on Bank Jumps
The rider’s position when jumping a bank differs from a standard fence. On the approach and take-off, a slightly shorter stirrup and an upright, balanced seat help the horse. On the landing — particularly a drop off the far side — the rider needs to sit back, push the heels down, and avoid pitching forward. A rider who tips forward on a bank landing risks ending up over the horse’s shoulder or, in a worst case, on the ground in front of the horse.
Looking up and ahead throughout the combination is essential, as it encourages the horse to stay forward and helps the rider plan the next stride. Horses are acutely sensitive to where the rider is looking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a bank and a drop fence in cross-country?
A bank involves jumping onto an elevated surface and then jumping off again, requiring strides on top. A drop fence is simply a fence where the landing is significantly lower than the take-off — the horse jumps down from height without a platform on top. Both require the rider to sit back and absorb the landing, but the bank adds the challenge of organising the horse during the stride(s) across the elevated surface before the jump down.
Are bank jumps more dangerous than standard fences?
Banks carry specific risks, particularly for young horses or inexperienced combinations. The change in ground level during landing can unbalance a horse, and a bad stride on top of a bank can put horse and rider in a compromised position for the jump off. However, well-constructed banks with appropriate gradients and good footing are a normal part of cross-country training and competition, and most horses take to them well once introduced correctly.
At what level do banks appear in eventing competitions?
Simple step-up and step-down banks appear from Intro and Prelim level upwards in British Eventing competitions. More complex bank combinations — incorporating ditches, corners, or multiple elements — are introduced progressively as the level increases. By the time horse and rider reach Intermediate level, they should be comfortable tackling two and three-element bank complexes at pace.