The equestrian eventing cross country phase :

The equestrian eventing cross country phase was originally used by the military to prove the courage and stamina of the horse over rough terrain.

The military horse that could, without hesitation, jump any obstacle in a show jumping arena was fine but of no use to the military if it could not do the same over rough ground during a battle.

Equestrian Eventing
Eventing Dressage
Eventing Cross Country
Eventing Showjumping

BE Rule Book
BE Age Restrictions
Competition levels
Grading points system

The cross country course
Types of cross country obstacles
What to wear

The cross country endurance test proves the speed, endurance and jumping ability of the true cross-country horse.

Your event horse should be well trained and in superb physical condition and you, the rider, should be fit to ride and be able to demonstrate your knowledge of pace and how you to use your horse across country; without injuring or disabling your mount.

Conserving energy on long sections between jumps is just as important as remaining in the saddle over jumps.

A fearless mount with superb athletic ability and a fearless rider who, although exhausted, can remain calm and in control; and who can still find the best approach to a really awkward fence; is a rare combination indeed.

Cross country riding, and indeed eventing in general, is a fun and exciting sport but is not for the faint hearted or the unfit. Both horse and rider should be well acquainted, and the rider must be accustomed to riding for long periods of time before attempting a eventing cross country circuit.

For those who are brave enough to try it, and talented enough to master it, cross country riding is an exhilarating and rewarding sport. It will keep bth the rider and horse fit, and improve their work as a team and help them excel in other areas of riding and equestrian sport.

The cross country test :

Equestrian cross country is an endurance test, and is the second phase in the sport of eventing.

The object of the endurance test is to prove the speed, endurance and jumping ability of the true cross-country horse. It is also used to demonstrate the rider's knowledge of pace and the correct use of their horse across country

The eventing endurance test includes four phases:

Phase A & C - roads and tracks
Phase B - the steeplechase
Phase D - the cross-country

Each phase should be completed in a set time.

The focus of the entire event is on the Cross-Country test, it consists of four distinct phases:

Phase A: Roads and Tracks.

This warm-up phase is ridden at a steady trot and riders usually give their horses a canter towards the end of the phase in preparation for the speed required over the chase fences.

Phase B: Steeplechase.

This phase was designed to test the speed of horse and rider over jumps and requires horses to jump 8 – 12 brush fences, depending on the level of competition. Even though it is usually carried out at a highspeed gallop, riders have to be accurate judges of pace as horses that finish the steeplechase too quickly will have used up the valuable energy needed for the remaining phases.

Phase C: Roads and Tracks.

This is a recovery phase after the exertions of the steeplechase, usually carried out at the walk and trot. It is followed by a ten minute compulsory halt, during which a veterinary check ensures that the horses are sound and fit to continue. Saddlery is also checked at this point.

Phase D: Cross-Country.

This is the most difficult part of the test consisting in a course, usually twice the distance of the steeplechase, comprising 30 to 40 Jumping efforts on natural solid obstacles, such as stone walls, woodpiles, water, ditches, etc.

The aim is to jump all the fences within the limits of the time allowed. Penalties will be awarded in case the time
allowed is exceeded. Each obstacle involves a more difficult, time-saving route and a lengthier alternative.

Excessive speed is unwise as the horse will inevitably run out of steam and have difficulty jumping the more technical fences towards the end of the track.

The four phases are quite independent as far as the timekeeping is concerned and loss of time in one cannot be compensated for by gain of time in another. Exceeding the time allowed in any of the four phases results in penalties. Penalties are also given for refusals and falls of horse or rider. All penalties are added together and recorded for inclusion in the final classification.

The first fall of the horse or the second fall of the rider means elimination.

What to wear when competing in the cross country phase:

Cross-country clothing is informal, and many riders use colors that match some of their horse's tack.

The rider is required to wear a protective vest, as well as an ASTM/SEI approved riding helmet, properly fastened at all times when jumping (you may be eliminated if this is not done so).

A medical armband, containing the rider's medicinal history, is required for safety purposes, allowing access to the information should the rider fall, knock themself unconscious, and require medical treatment.

Breeches may be any color, with some riders coordinating it with their shirt or vest color.

All shirts must have sleeves, and light-weight polo shirts are most common, usually without a stock tie.

Black or brown boots may be worn. Riding coats are not worn.

Lastly, most riders also wear a watch, to track their time as they go cross-country so that they can adjust their speed as needed and come in under the optimum time.

Cross country obstacles :

The obstacles in the modern cross country phase of international eventing are still a superb test of endurance, even though you are just as likely to come across a jump representing a pile of mushrooms, a pair of parked cars or a boat; as you are a large hedge or a wide ditch.

The heights and levels detailed above apply to the top levels of affiliated eventing competitions, but there are a great many junior or local one day and three day events that are run without affiliation and that determine their cross country obstacle heights based on their own equipment and pre-built obstacles.

The event rider should check eventing competition schedules closely to ensure you are comfortable with the obstacle types and heights being used and that you are confident both you and your horse can complete the course.

Cross Country Course Maps & Photos

International and National Event organisers maintain sites that keep competitors and the public updated on the progress of annual events and will sometimes have a photgraphic record of the cross country course and the various obstacles. This is just a few that do.

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