Embarking on the thrilling world of eventing necessitates proficiency in cross-country horse riding. While demanding, this equestrian discipline offers an exhilarating experience for both horse and rider. This guide introduces the fundamentals of cross-country riding, covering its rules, expectations, and essential preparations for aspiring participants.
Cross-country horse riding, also known as XC or Hunter trials, is an equestrian sport where a horse and rider navigate a challenging course featuring jumps and obstacles designed to simulate riding at speed through the countryside. It is a key component of eventing, alongside dressage and showjumping, testing the horse’s speed, endurance, and jumping prowess, as well as the rider’s obedience and conditioning. As the levels increase, so does the difficulty of the courses, with higher fences and greater distances.
Affiliated vs. Unaffiliated Cross-Country Riding
In the UK, official cross-country competitions are organized by British Eventing. “Affiliated” refers to events sanctioned by this governing body. Unlike other eventing disciplines, affiliated cross-country is exclusively contested within the framework of eventing competitions, where all three phases (dressage, showjumping, and cross-country) are combined. While British Dressage and British Showjumping manage their respective sports independently, affiliated cross-country operates under British Eventing’s umbrella. This guide focuses on the levels and rules established by British Eventing.
Hunter Trials: Standalone Events
While affiliated cross-country is part of larger eventing competitions, unaffiliated, standalone events known as hunter trials also exist. In these, individuals or pairs compete over a course similar to the cross-country phase of eventing, though rules can vary between organizers. Hunter trials are solely focused on cross-country, without the dressage or showjumping components. Many eventers utilize hunter trials as practice for the cross-country phase.
British Eventing Membership
Participation in affiliated cross-country riding with British Eventing requires membership. Options include:
- Full Rider Membership: Grants unlimited event entries during the season (March to October) and priority entry for balloted events.
- Supporter Membership: Allows a limited number of event entries per season via Day Passes, offering more member benefits than Day Pass Membership.
- Day Pass Membership: Enables the purchase of Day Passes for events, with fewer member benefits compared to Supporter Membership.
Cross-Country Riding Rules and Penalties
The objective in cross-country riding is to complete the course with the fewest penalties and within a safe, yet competitive, time. Each course has an optimum time and a time limit (double the optimum time). Time penalties are incurred for exceeding the optimum time and for finishing too quickly. Additionally, various jumping faults result in penalty points:
| Fault Type | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Refusal, run-out, or circle at an obstacle | 20 points |
| Second refusal, run-out, or circle at same obstacle | 40 points |
| Third refusal, run-out, or circle at same obstacle | Elimination |
| Third refusal, run-out, or circle (Novice+) | Elimination |
| Fourth refusal, run-out, or circle (BE105+) | Elimination |
| Fall of rider or horse anywhere on course | Elimination |
| Riding the wrong route | Elimination |
| Missing an obstacle | Elimination |
| Jumping an obstacle twice | Elimination |
| Jumping an obstacle in the wrong direction | Elimination |
| Every second over the optimum time | 0.4 points |
| Every second under optimum time (over 15s) | 0.4 points |
| Exceeding the time limit (double optimum) | Elimination |
The ultimate winner is the non-eliminated competitor with the lowest penalty score. These cross-country penalties are combined with scores from the dressage and showjumping phases to determine the overall eventing placings.
Riding with Other Competitors
Cross-country courses are often longer and have more obstacles than showjumping courses, meaning multiple riders may be on the course simultaneously. Specific rules govern riding alongside other competitors to ensure safety and fairness:
- Riders whose progress is impeded must yield to faster riders.
- Held-up competitors will have their time stopped.
- Failure to stop when instructed results in elimination.
- Deliberately obstructing another rider leads to elimination.
- Unsafe overtaking results in elimination.
It is crucial to consult the official British Eventing Members’ Handbook for comprehensive and up-to-date rules.
Cross-Country Levels in British Eventing
Cross-country riding within British Eventing follows a structured progression of ten levels, each with increasing course difficulty. As levels advance, courses become longer, fences higher and more complex, and the required pace increases.
| British Eventing Level | Cross-Country Course Specification |
|---|---|
| BE80 | 1600–2800m Length, 435m/min Pace, 18–25 Jumps, 80cm Max Height, 120cm Max Water Depth |
| BE90 | 1600–2800m Length, 450m/min Pace, 18–25 Jumps, 90cm Max Height, 130cm Max Water Depth |
| BE100 | 1800–2800m Length, 475m/min Pace, 18–25 Jumps, 100cm Max Height, 140cm Max Water Depth, 20cm Max Water Jump |
| BE100 Plus | 1800–2800m Length, 475m/min Pace, 18–25 Jumps, 100cm Max Height, 140cm Max Water Depth, 20cm Max Water Jump |
| BE105 | 2000–2800m Length, 500m/min Pace, 20–27 Jumps, 105cm Max Height, 140cm Max Water Depth, 30cm Max Water Jump |
| Novice | 2000–2800m Length, 520m/min Pace, 20–28 Jumps, 110cm Max Height, 160cm Max Water Depth, 30cm Max Water Jump |
| Intermediate Novice | 2000–2800m Length, 520m/min Pace, 20–28 Jumps, 110cm Max Height, 160cm Max Water Depth, 30cm Max Water Jump |
| Intermediate | 2600–3620m Length, 550m/min Pace, 26–32 Jumps, 115cm Max Height, 180cm Max Water Depth, 30cm Max Water Jump |
| Advanced Intermediate | 2600–3620m Length, 550m/min Pace, 26–32 Jumps, 115cm Max Height, 180cm Max Water Depth, 30cm Max Water Jump |
| Advanced | 3250–4000m Length, 570m/min Pace, 30–40 Jumps, 120cm Max Height, 200cm Max Water Depth, 35cm Max Water Jump |
Levels such as BE100 Plus, Intermediate Novice, and Advanced Novice offer a stepping stone to the next full level, featuring more challenging dressage and showjumping phases while maintaining the cross-country standards of the preceding level.
Progression beyond BE100 requires earning Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MERs). An MER is achieved by scoring:
- Not more than 50 penalty points in dressage.
- Not more than 16 penalties in showjumping.
- Zero cross-country penalties and no more than 30 cross-country time penalties.
Specific MER minimums are required for each subsequent level before competition entry.
Understanding a Cross-Country Course
A cross-country course is the designated route and sequence of obstacles that a horse and rider must navigate during the cross-country phase of an event. For British Eventing competitions, course lengths vary from 1600 to 4000 meters, featuring 18 to 40 jumps, depending on the competition level. Each obstacle is numbered and marked with red (right) and white (left) flags indicating the approach direction. A black stripe on the red flag signifies an optional obstacle.
Cross-Country Course Design
Course designers create routes that appropriately challenge participants. Novice courses might use terrain to naturally lead to jumps, while advanced courses may feature jumps on slopes for added difficulty. Designs aim for fairness and suitability for the intended level. Most courses are outdoors, utilizing natural terrain like fields and woodlands. The course typically includes a start box, begins with less challenging fences to build confidence, increases in technicality, and eases towards the finish.
Common Cross-Country Jumps and Obstacles
Cross-country courses incorporate a diverse range of jumps, from natural elements like logs to man-made structures such as tyre fences. Difficulty is influenced by height, width, design, and placement.
- Log fence: A basic and common obstacle, often made of single or multiple tree trunks.
- Corner: Triangular fences requiring precise jumping, challenging horses prone to running out.
- Angled fence: A post and rail jump set at an angle, demanding accuracy.
- Bounce: A series of closely spaced single fences requiring rapid take-offs and landings.
- Gate: A fixed wooden fence, akin to a countryside gate.
- Wall: A solid wall, often topped with wood, requiring careful jumping.
- Coffin: A three-part obstacle involving a jump, a ditch, and another jump.
- Water: Can be a natural stream or a man-made pool, requiring horses to splash through or jump in and out.
- Palisade: A fence sloping upwards towards the direction of the jump, sometimes preceded by a ditch.
- Steps: A series of jumps designed as ascending steps.
- Brush fence: Features a solid base with brush on top, encouraging a flatter jump.
- Tyre fence: Linked tyres forming a jumping obstacle.
- Roll top: A jump with a rounded top, often perceived as inviting for horses.
- Table: A four-legged jump with a solid top, providing height and width.
- Trakehner: A ditch with a fence (log or rail) over it, testing a horse’s bravery.
- Arrowhead: A narrow, triangular jump without a ground line, making it difficult for horses to judge.
- Stile: A narrow fence resembling a country stile, requiring focus.
Walking the Cross-Country Course
Before riding, participants walk the course to plan their approach. Key considerations include:
- Fence types: Understanding the specific requirements of each obstacle.
- Footing: Assessing the ground conditions for any boggy or uneven patches.
- Light and dark areas: Noting transitions from light to dark that can affect a horse’s vision.
- Terrain: Observing uphill, downhill, and drop sections.
- Line: Planning the exact route over each obstacle.
- Striding: Estimating the number of strides needed between jumps.
- Openness: Recognizing areas that encourage forwardness versus caution.
- Layout: Identifying sections for gaining time or strategic riding.
- Problematic obstacles: Anticipating fences your horse might find challenging.
- Distractions: Noting potential disturbances like livestock or spectators.
Cross-Country Attire, Tack, and Colors
British Eventing has specific requirements for cross-country attire and tack, prioritizing rider and horse safety.
Cross-Country Clothing and Colors
- Riding helmet: A jockey-style skull cap without a peak is mandatory. Safety standards must be met.
- Body protector: A BETA-approved body protector manufactured in 2009 or later is required.
- Sweater or shirt: Long sleeves are advisable.
- Breeches: Plain white, buff, or fawn breeches.
- Riding boots: Plain black boots or gaiters and matching boots.
- Numbers: Rider numbers must be clearly visible from front and back.
- Optional items: Gloves, spurs, and whips (meeting regulations) may be worn. Inflatable/air jackets can be worn over body protectors.
Choosing colors allows for individual expression, aiding visibility. Starting with a body protector and matching other items is a practical approach. Considering colors that complement the horse’s coat is also beneficial.
Cross-Country Tack
- Saddle: English or continental saddles are permitted. Western, Iberian, Arabian, and side saddles are not.
- Bridle: A bridle with a bit is standard, though specific gag, Pelham, hackamore, or bitless bridles are allowed. Double bridles require a cavesson noseband. Colors must be black, brown, grey, or navy.
- Reins: Must be attached to the bit and loops above the horse’s neck. Certain rein types are prohibited.
- Martingales: Running, Irish, and bib martingales are allowed; standing martingales are not.
- Prohibited items: Tongue guards and blinkers are not permitted.
- Permitted items: Colored stirrups, breastplates, and certain horse boots and bandages are allowed.
Beginner Tips for Cross-Country Horse Riding
Preparing for your first cross-country event, whether a standalone hunter trial or part of an eventing competition, requires careful planning.
Understanding Your First Cross-Country Event
Familiarize yourself with the event schedule, particularly if participating in eventing with dressage and showjumping. Arrive early to register, pay fees, get your hat tagged, and obtain course plans. Walking the course is crucial for planning your strategy, noting fence types, footing, terrain, and potential distractions. Be prepared for staggered starts and riding alongside other competitors, adhering to the relevant rules. The course typically starts with simpler fences, progresses to more technical challenges, and finishes with an easier section to encourage a strong gallop.
Conditioning Your Horse
Cross-country is a test of endurance, so your horse’s fitness is paramount. Begin with distance work—walking and trotting—to build stamina for cantering and galloping. Gradually increase intensity to avoid soft tissue injuries. Introduce interval training (alternating periods of high-speed work with rest) and hill work to enhance cardiovascular fitness.
Consider these conditioning factors:
- Ground conditions: Avoid hard, heavy, or slippery surfaces that can lead to injury.
- Gradual progression: Increase work rate slowly, focusing on either distance or speed at a time.
- Reading your horse: Monitor for signs of distress like heavy breathing or sweating.
- Heat awareness: Adjust workouts in hot or humid weather.
Building Cross-Country Bravery
Incorporate obstacles like ditches, banks, and water into training sessions. Introduce these gradually, allowing your horse time to assess and become familiar with them. Positive reinforcement and patience are key. Allowing the horse to think for itself while providing support encourages bravery more effectively than forcing them.
Gaining Cross-Country Practice
While dressage and showjumping can be practiced in a paddock, cross-country requires more space and varied obstacles. If access to a cross-country course is limited, consider attending schooling sessions or local hunter trials. These provide valuable practice and exposure to the competitive nature of the sport.
Performing Cross-Country Training Exercises
Specialized training videos and masterclasses, such as those offered by Petplan Masterclass with Lucinda Green and Nicola Wilson Masterclass, can significantly aid in improving cross-country riding skills for both horse and rider. Accessing a world of equestrian content, including sports coverage, training tutorials, and entertainment, is possible through subscriptions to services like Horse & Country.
Cross-country riding presents a significant challenge but offers immense rewards. This guide provides a foundational understanding of the sport, equipping aspiring riders with the knowledge to begin their journey.
