How does a horse look at and assess a fence when you are asking them to jump it? Understanding this as a rider is key to being able to go clear and stay safe around a course, as well as keeping both you and your horse feeling confident.Whatever type of fence you and your horse are tackling whether its showjumps or cross-country fences, for example they need to be able to look and see the obstacle if theyre going to be able to clear it.How do horses see a fence?In the following video, six-time Badminton winner and Petplan Equine ambassador Lucinda Green explains how horses use different parts of their eyes to see a fence.She also explains why the position of their head in the approach and at the point of take-off is crucial to jumping clear.Fascinating sightSight of a horse is a fascinating thing, says Lucinda.The distance vision of a horse is the bottom half of his eye; if hes on the bit coming into a fence he actually cant see it so its our job to say, Oi, get your head up, theres a fence.The close vision is the top half of his eye, so when hes coming into what looks like a perfectly normal telegraph pole, he might at the last second go, Ah, ditch/trakehner I didnt see that! and hell throw his head down because the top half of his eye is his close vision [and he wants to look at it].In an ideal world we want horses looking [for the fence] as they come out of the turn, which means we dont want them on the bit because if theyre on the bit they cant see the fence ahead.Heads down to lookLucinda adds a tray under a pole.Very often, if horses see something theyre not expecting theyll put their head right down because the top half of their eye is where their close vision is.Remember getting the head up [as you turn to the fence] because the horse wants maximum looking time.Main image: Your Horse Library (stock image). Video by Equestrian Pro TVRelated contentFives gears a cross-country horse needs to haveCommon problems with a riders jumping position solvedHow to improve your ditch jumping confidence at home, with Lucinda Green *VIDEO*How to assess your horses fitness, by Lucinda Green *VIDEO*The post How do horses see a fence? Lucinda Green explains *VIDEO* appeared first on Your Horse.