A cross rail is a jumping obstacle made from two poles arranged in an X shape — each pole is set with one end raised on a jump cup and the other end resting on the ground or on a lower cup. The result is a fence that is lower in the centre than at the sides, creating a natural “sweet spot” that guides the horse towards the middle of the jump. Cross rails are the standard starting point for horses and riders learning to jump.
Why Cross Rails Are Used
The X shape serves a practical purpose: it visually and physically guides horse and rider to the centre of the fence. A horse approaching slightly to the left or right will naturally be directed towards the lowest point. This makes cross rails more forgiving than straight poles for inexperienced horses or riders who are still learning to approach fences accurately.
They are also adjustable in difficulty. By raising or lowering each end of the poles, the instructor can change the height of the centre point and the steepness of the cross. A very low cross rail — centre just 20–30cm off the ground — is often the first fence a horse or rider will ever jump. As confidence builds, the height is increased gradually.
Using Cross Rails in Training
Cross rails are most commonly found in:
- Beginner lessons — introducing the concept of jumping to novice riders
- Young horse backing — introducing a young horse to jumping in a low-stress way
- Grid work — placed in gymnastic grids to encourage rhythm and correct technique
- Warm-up fences — used at the start of a jumping session before progressing to larger oxers or uprights
In grid work, a series of cross rails set on related distances teaches the horse to shorten or lengthen their stride and think carefully about their feet. This is foundational work for horses progressing towards cross country or show jumping. Poles on the ground placed before a cross rail help establish a consistent rhythm and take-off point.
Cross Rails in Competition
Cross rails appear in entry-level show jumping competitions, particularly in classes designed for horses and ponies new to competition or for very young riders. In the UK, British Showjumping’s introductory classes often include cross rails alongside small uprights and fillers. At grassroots equestrian shows, cross rail classes are common in the leadrein and first ridden sections.
The simplicity of cross rails belies their training value. A horse that jumps a cross rail well — straight, rhythmic, and with a confident canter — has already demonstrated the basics needed to progress up the jumping ladder. For more on related jumping equipment, see our entry on the girth strap and correct tacking up before jumping.
Setting Up a Cross Rail Safely
When building a cross rail, both poles should be secured in cups at the appropriate height and the ground line (a pole on the ground in front of the fence) should be used to give the horse a visual reference for take-off. The fence should be built on level ground and away from slippery or boggy going. Jump wings should be stable and weighted to prevent them falling on a horse that clips a wing.
Always check that poles are not jammed into cups in a way that prevents them falling freely — if a horse hits a cross rail hard, the poles should dislodge rather than trip the horse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What height should a cross rail be for a beginner horse?
For a horse being introduced to jumping, the centre of the cross rail is typically set at around 40–50cm (roughly 18 inches). This is low enough to be jumped from trot without requiring any real effort, allowing the horse to develop confidence before height is added.
Can a cross rail be jumped in trot?
Yes — jumping from trot is often encouraged for young or novice horses. It removes the complication of managing a canter and allows the horse to focus on the fence itself. Many instructors prefer trot approaches for early jump training as it gives both horse and rider more time to prepare.
What is the difference between a cross rail and an oxer?
A cross rail is a single-pole X fence, typically low and used for training. An oxer is a spread fence made of two sets of poles, requiring the horse to jump both height and width simultaneously. Oxers come after cross rails and uprights in the progression of jumping training.