In equestrian sport and training, the term “vertical” has two important and entirely distinct meanings — one relating to the horse’s head and neck position in schooling and dressage, and the other describing a specific type of fence in show jumping. Both are fundamental concepts that every rider will encounter early in their equestrian education.
The Vertical as a Jumping Fence
In show jumping, a vertical is a fence in which all elements are positioned in the same vertical plane — there is no spread or width to the jump. Poles, planks, a gate, or a wall can all form vertical fences, but what defines them is the single front face without any secondary poles or elements set further away on the landing side. This distinguishes a vertical from a spread fence (such as an oxer or a triple bar) where the horse must clear both height and width simultaneously.
Verticals are amongst the most technically demanding fence types precisely because they offer the horse no visual cue about depth. A spread fence — particularly a square oxer — presents a clearly defined width that naturally encourages the horse to bascule (round over the fence) and jump wide. A vertical, by contrast, requires the horse to generate sufficient height from its hindquarters with less visual motivation to do so. This makes the quality of the approach stride and the engagement of the hindquarters particularly important.
At higher levels of show jumping, verticals become increasingly technical. Tight distances between a related vertical and the next fence, or a vertical set at a significant height with a fill (such as a wall or planks below the poles), tests the horse’s respect for the fence and the rider’s ability to maintain a balanced, active canter to the base. A horse that is flat or heavy in its canter will frequently knock verticals with its hind legs, as there is little to encourage it to fold its hindquarters sufficiently.
Vertical Head Position in Schooling and Dressage
In the context of training and dressage, “on the vertical” describes a position of the horse’s head and face where the front of the nose is approximately perpendicular to the ground. When a horse is working correctly on the vertical, its face forms a straight line from poll to muzzle that is close to — or just in front of — a 90-degree angle to the ground.
The vertical head position is significant in dressage because it is the natural consequence of correct engagement and collection. When a horse works actively from behind, steps under its centre of mass, and accepts the rider’s contact through a soft, swinging back, the neck naturally arches and the head comes to the vertical as part of that process. It is the result of correct training, not a position achieved by pulling the head into place with the reins.
A horse that is behind the vertical — with its nose tucked behind that perpendicular line, sometimes called “rolled up” or “overflexed” — is typically being ridden with too much backward hand pressure, restricting the horse’s ability to work freely through its neck and back. This has attracted considerable controversy in international dressage, where some high-level horses are ridden in a position referred to as Rollkur or hyperflexion that places the head and neck well behind the vertical. The FEI has addressed this and made clear that sustained hyperflexion is not acceptable. Guidance is available via the FEI website.
Why the Distinction Matters
Riders cross disciplines more than ever, and confusion between the two uses of “vertical” is common for newer enthusiasts. When a dressage trainer says “keep him on the vertical,” they are referring to the horse’s head position. When a jumping trainer says “we’re working on verticals today,” they mean the type of fence. Context usually makes this clear, but it is worth understanding both meanings fully.
See also: oxer, bascule, and collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do horses knock vertical fences more often than spread fences?
Verticals are knocked more frequently because they offer less visual encouragement for the horse to use its body fully over the fence. Spread fences present a clear width that naturally motivates the horse to stretch forward and round in a good bascule. A vertical’s single plane can be misjudged by a horse that is not sufficiently engaged or that approaches too flat. Consistent knocking of verticals in schooling often indicates that the horse needs more work on engagement and impulsion in the approach, and that it needs to develop more respect for poles through careful gymnastic pole work.
What is the difference between “on the vertical” and “in front of the vertical”?
In dressage terminology, a horse is “on the vertical” when its face is approximately perpendicular to the ground. “In front of the vertical” means the nose is slightly ahead of that perpendicular line — a position that is generally considered acceptable and natural in many working situations. At lower levels of schooling and for younger horses, a slightly in-front-of-the-vertical position is often preferred to ensure the horse is not being restricted. “Behind the vertical” means the nose has come behind the perpendicular line, which is a training concern.
How do I train a horse to respect verticals in show jumping?
Gymnastic grid work is the most effective method. Placing single poles on the ground approaching the fence encourages the horse to look at the base and use its front end more carefully. Bounces and one-stride combinations before a vertical develop engagement and encourage the horse to be more active with its hindquarters. Using planks or a wall as fill under the poles increases the visual presence of the fence, which naturally encourages greater respect. Crucially, always ensure the approach canter is balanced and active — a lazy approach is the primary cause of knocked verticals.