by Marlene
Watching the cross-country Event at Rebecca Farm was enjoyable and enlightening. I am still learning about this type of equestrianism and thought I’d share a few basics with you.
Cross-county equestrian jumping is an endurance test. It is one of the three phases of the sport of jumping. The others being dressage, (pronounced dress-ahhzh), and show jumping. The object of this test is to prove the endurance, speed, and jumping ability of the true cross-country horse when trained and brought to peak condition.
Cross-country jumping is outdoors, in fields and wooded areas that follow the natural course of the terrain. Courses are approximately 2 to 4 miles long with 24 to 36 solid obstacles that must be jumped according to specific rules such as time allowance, order of jumping, and jumping from a given flagged direction. Depending on jump requirements, riders may walk, trot, or gallop their horse.
The skill of the rider and training of the horse are essential ingredients to success in this sport. By nature, horses are reluctant to jump obstacles and cross water. Obviously it takes confidence and competence to excel in cross-country jumping. In E’s video “Cross Country Horse Jumping” take note of the various obstacles and watch for the different strides of the horse. Horse lovers and competitors, we’d love to hear from you!
Related Article: The Event at Rebecca Farm
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