Drifting is the term used when a horse deviates from its intended line of travel, moving sideways off course rather than staying straight or following the planned route. It is most commonly seen when jumping — a horse that drifts over a fence lands and continues to travel in an unplanned direction — but it also occurs during flat work, on the lunge, and in ridden road work. Drifting is a training problem with identifiable causes and practical solutions.
Drifting When Jumping
Over fences, drifting is both a technique problem and a potential safety issue. A horse that consistently drifts right, for example, will land and canter away on a line that the rider did not intend. In a course of related fences, this can mean arriving at the next fence from the wrong angle, at the wrong distance, or not at all. In cross country, where fences are fixed, drifting into a wing or off a complex can be dangerous.
Common causes of drifting when jumping include:
- A dominant eye or vision issue causing the horse to look away from the fence
- Unequal hind limb push — one leg pushing harder, sending the horse off to the opposite side
- Uneven rider weight distribution or collapsing through one hip
- A hollow or crooked approach that is not corrected before the fence
- Pain or stiffness in one hind limb, causing the horse to favour it
Drifting on the Flat
On the flat, a horse that drifts tends to move in a slightly banana shape rather than straight. A horse drifting through the shoulder on a circle, for instance, will gradually spiral inwards or outwards rather than maintaining the bend. On a straight line, a drifting horse will drift towards the stable, the gate, or the other horses in the field — wherever their attention or preference lies.
This is often an early indicator of lateral imbalance, and it benefits from structured flatwork addressing straightness, engagement of the hindquarters, and the quality of the half-halt. Our entry on the false rein covers common rein faults that can contribute to a crooked horse.
Diagnosing and Correcting Drifting
Before training fixes are applied, a vet check is sensible — drifting can be a sign of musculoskeletal pain. A horse that drifts consistently to one side may be protecting a sore hind leg, back, or sacroiliac joint. The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) recommends a thorough lameness evaluation before attributing straightness problems purely to training. Visit beva.org.uk for guidance.
Training approaches to correct drifting include:
- Grid work — poles placed to funnel the horse straight, either on the ground or on wings angled inward
- Channel poles — placing poles on each side of the fence to form a channel the horse must jump through
- Groundwork — working on straightness in hand and on the lunge before addressing it under saddle
- Rider position work — correcting weight imbalance and unequal rein contact at source
For horses drifting consistently in one direction on the flat, lateral exercises such as leg yielding and shoulder-in can be helpful in developing suppleness and straightness. See our entry on free rein for related discussion on allowing the horse to travel naturally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is drifting the same as running out at a fence?
They are related but distinct. Drifting describes a gradual deviation from the intended line — the horse jumps the fence but does not travel straight over it or after it. Running out is when the horse avoids the fence entirely, ducking to one side at the last moment. Persistent drifting can lead to run-outs if left unaddressed.
Can tack cause a horse to drift?
Yes. An ill-fitting saddle that sits unevenly or puts pressure on one side of the horse’s back can cause asymmetrical movement and drifting. A bit that is uneven in the mouth or a bridle that sits crookedly can also contribute. Tack fit should always be checked as part of a drifting investigation.
How long does it take to correct drifting?
This depends on the cause and the severity. A drift caused by a temporary pain issue may resolve quickly once the underlying problem is treated. Training-based drifting in a young or unbalanced horse may take several weeks of consistent grid work and flatwork to address. Patient, progressive work is more effective than attempting to force straightness.