Home > Competing in Cross Country Competitions at Pachesham Competing in Cross Country Competitions at Pachesham
Cross Country at Pachesham
Speed, endurance and jumping ability coupled with our high quality, professionally constructed fences, make an exciting and exhilarating competition for any level of horse and rider.
Cross Country / Hunter Trials are a test of endurance for both horse and rider. Cross Country competitions are an excellent way to improve your skills over natural fences, in preparation for competing in One Day Events or simply to strengthen your horse/rider partnership.
The cross-country discipline is often the discipline that appeals most to spectators and riders alike. It is the ultimate challenge to prepare your horse for this rigorous test. As an additional attraction, eventing, and more specifically the cross country element, is the only high-risk Olympic sport that permits men and women to compete as equals. There are no separate divisions for either rider or horse. Some of the top riders in the world today are women from many nations.
Obstacles and Design
Cross country fences are generally made from natural materials such as logs, hedges etc, however these may have decorations (for example flower arrangements) as a further test of the horses bravery. Pachesham has over 30 cross country fences, although not all are used in each class. These fences vary from under 45cm up to 1m enabling riders of all levels to compete. All our cross country fences are all clearly flagged with a red flag on the right and a white flag on the left, indicating which way the fence should be approached. The first few fences, especially in our novice courses are inviting and confidence giving, allowing both horse and rider to settle into their stride before tackling the more testing fences that come later in the course.
The aim of our hunter trials is to complete the course without any refusals in an optimum time; this time will be available to you when you enter online.
At Pachesham the cross country fences are built to be jumped in both directions and the smaller fences are positioned next to the bigger ones. This allows us to run our unique hunter trials 'Pic 'n' Mix’ Pairs class where riders can jump any of the fences that take their fancy whilst following the intended route, choosing bigger fences when they feel braver! Pairs can then compete happily together even when one horse/rider is much more experienced than the other and each have a satisfying round. This is a great way to build confidence in younger or more inexperienced riders, and also have great fun at the same time!
On the Day
Competitors must wear body protectors when competing in our cross country competitions, and competitors must pay their first aid fee when booking in for their class. Our events are attended by qualified first aiders and highly trained stewards enabling you to feel safe competing your horse here.
     
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