Cross country is one of the three phases of eventing, alongside dressage and show jumping. It involves horse and rider navigating a course of fixed, solid obstacles set across natural terrain — fields, woodland, water complexes, banks, and ditches. Unlike show jumping fences, cross country obstacles do not fall if hit; they are immovable, which makes the phase a true test of courage, trust, and preparation.
The Cross Country Phase in Eventing
In a full three-day event, cross country is the centrepiece — often called the “cross country day.” Courses range in length from around 1,400 metres at BE80 grassroots level up to 6,000 metres or more at FEI four-star level, with speeds and obstacle complexity increasing at each level. Riders are penalised for refusals, run-outs, falls, and exceeding the optimum time.
The FEI sets the international rules for cross country at CCI (Concours Complet International) events, from CCI1*-Intro through to CCI5*-L at events such as Badminton, Burghley, and Kentucky. British Eventing (BE) governs the sport at affiliated level in the UK, with entry-level classes starting at BE80 and progressing through BE90, BE100, Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced.
Cross Country Fences
Cross country obstacles are built to test specific skills. Common fence types include:
- Hanging logs and brush fences — inviting, straightforward obstacles used at lower levels
- Water complexes — horses must enter water confidently, often jumping in and out
- Banks and steps — testing a horse’s ability to jump up or drop down changes in ground level
- Ditches and trakheners — open ditches or rails over ditches, which many horses find spooky
- Corners and angled combinations — require precision and a bold, straight approach
At higher levels, course designers create technical combinations that require multiple decisions in quick succession, testing the partnership between horse and rider under pressure. See our field hunter entry for more on horses bred and trained for bold cross country work.
Horse Fitness and Preparation
Competing cross country requires a horse to be fit enough to gallop and jump over varied terrain for several minutes without fatigue affecting their safety. A proper fitness programme typically takes 8–12 weeks to build from light hacking to competition-ready fitness, including interval training and canter work. An unfit horse at a cross country fence is a dangerous horse.
Tack and equipment also matters. Horses competing cross country wear protective boots to guard against brush injuries, and riders use body protectors and air jackets for safety. Stud holes in shoes provide grip on varying ground conditions. For information on related tying up (exertional rhabdomyolysis) which can affect competition horses, see our equine disease section.
Cross Country as a Standalone Discipline
Some competitions offer cross country as a standalone phase — hunter trials and team chases are popular in the UK, particularly through autumn and winter. These events give horses and riders the chance to school over varied terrain without the commitment of a full three-phase event. The British Horse Society supports access to cross country schooling facilities across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between cross country and show jumping?
Show jumping uses coloured poles that fall if hit, testing precision and technique in an enclosed arena. Cross country uses fixed, solid obstacles across natural terrain, testing boldness, fitness, and horse-rider trust over a longer course. Cross country fences cannot be knocked down.
How fast do horses go cross country?
At BE80 level, the optimum speed is around 435 metres per minute. At four-star international level, speeds increase to 570 metres per minute or more — roughly 34 km/h. Riders must manage their pace carefully to arrive at the finish within the optimum time.
Can any horse do cross country?
With appropriate training and fitness, many horses can compete at entry level. However, genuine cross country horses tend to have a bold, brave temperament and good natural balance. Irish Sport Horses, Thoroughbreds, and their crosses are particularly well suited to the discipline.