How to Walk a Cross-Country Course: Strategies, Considerations & Tips

Cross-country riding is an intense test of horse and rider over challenging terrain and obstacles. Whether it is performed as one leg of 3-day eventing or at a standalone competition, cross-country is thrilling for riders and spectators alike.

Designed to evaluate jumping skills, mutual trust, and strategy, each cross-country course provides a unique experience. Understanding cross-country course design, penalties, and types of obstacles is key to preparing for success.

A key practice for cross-country riders is walking the course. During this time, riders assess the terrain and create a mental map of each obstacle while planning their strategy.

Read on to learn more about walking a cross-country course, including key elements of the terrain, course design, common obstacles, penalties, and effective strategies for a successful cross-country competition.

Understanding the Cross-Country Course

The cross-country phase in eventing is an unmatched adrenaline rush for riders. Each course is different based on location and venue, making every competition unique.

Though the course may differ,  clear guidelines on what horses and riders can expect during this phase exist at every level of competition. ^[1]

As outlined in the Fédération Équestre Internationale’s (FEI) Cross-Country Course Design Guidelines, a cross-country course is designed to challenge both horse and rider to adapt to varying conditions while demonstrating jumping ability, rhythm, mutual trust, and endurance. ^[2]

To accomplish this, the FEI relies on course designers, who are responsible for strategically planning and arranging obstacles, to test the horse and rider effectively. ^[2]

Course Design

Cross-country course design emphasizes technical challenges that demand precision and strategic riding, while protecting safety. Modern courses now have portable fences and frangible technology to mitigate safety risks for both horses and riders. ^[2]

Course designers also plan obstacle placement to optimize flow and sight lines across the venue’s natural terrain. The goal is to create courses that challenge riders and ensure horses finish confidently and safely. ^[2]

At higher levels, courses integrate alternative routes and additional obstacle technologies to improve adaptability and safety, balancing athlete performance with spectator engagement. ^[2]

Obstacles with multiple elements are numbered sequentially and must be jumped in order, while alternative routes are marked as separate options. Other elements found on cross-country courses include the following:

Red or White Boundary Flags

Flags mark the start and finish lines, designate routes, and define obstacles. Competitors must pass and jump with the red flag on the right and white flag on the left. When multiple competition levels are marked, only flags corresponding to the specific course in use apply. ^[3]

Stopping Points

Stopping points are designated locations on the course where competitors are directed to halt if there is a hold on the course. They are marked with brightly colored pegs, surveyor’s flags, or a sign. ^[3]

Yellow Directional Markers

These markers indicate the general route and assist competitors in navigating the course. Where necessary, they may include the first letter or color of the competition level. Passing near these markers is not mandatory. ^[3]

Distance & Speed

The course’s difficulty determines the required distance and speed for the competition, which can be adjusted based on terrain and competitor preparation.

Signage

Any additional signage related to an obstacle’s eventing level can be found on the red and white flag poles of a cross-country course. The standard color coding is: ^[3]

• Beginner Novice: Black on Yellow
• Novice: Black on White
• Training: White on Black
• Modified: Orange on Blue
• Preliminary: White on Green
• Intermediate: White on Red
• Advanced: White on Blue

Obstacles & Faults

The cross-country phase of eventing resembles a traditional steeplechase, featuring jumps similar to those seen in hunter classes and steeplechases. Horse and rider navigate a course spanning several miles, tackling a variety of obstacles over natural terrain. ^[4]

Obstacles

On an eventing cross-country course map, obstacles are often given unique names to help riders memorize and analyze the track. Oxers, which are jumping obstacles similar to those found in arena jumping, are found on cross-country courses. Extra-wide oxers known as “triple bars” are also used in cross-country, along with other distinct obstacles such as: ^[4]

• Arrowhead: A narrow jump that tapers to a point at the bottom, resembling an arrowhead. Its slim design poses a unique challenge, making it easy for horses to miss.
• Bank: A raised obstacle that resembles a stair step, often lined with stacked logs. Banks are commonly used to help horses exit water obstacles and require thoughtful timing and a careful approach.
• Brush: A jump featuring foliage at the top, such as grass or evergreen boughs. Horses must clear the solid rail beneath.
• Bullfinch: A specific type of brush with varying heights that horses must navigate through.
• Coop: An A-frame-shaped jump that looks like a roof protruding from the ground. Also known as a cabin or hut at higher levels, these can be quite tall and sometimes have a “house” added beneath it.
• Corner: A triangular-shaped obstacle, wide on one side and narrow on the other. The challenge lies in the rider’s ability to navigate the obstacle efficiently, avoiding the wide side.
• Drop: The opposite of a bank, directing the horse to jump off a higher incline, often landing in water. This obstacle requires timing and precision.
• Log: A traditional fence made of fallen trees or stacked trunks. Its simplicity can become more challenging depending on placement and height.
• Normandy Bank: A combination jump involving a ditch and incline, followed by a raised log before a drop. This obstacle tests the horse’s stamina and stride, often positioned near the end of the course when the horse is approaching fatigue.
• Rolltop: A jump with a flat bottom and a rounded, half-circle top. It often appears in a 180-degree shape, sometimes with brushes, and can lead to a drop into water.
• Skinny: A narrow fence that challenges the horse’s precision and requires the rider to choose a perfect path through the center, preventing the horse from running out or missing it.
• Table: A broad, flat obstacle that increases in difficulty with width and height. It requires the horse to clear the entire width of the jump with precision.
• Trakehener: A log jump elevated to create space beneath, making it a challenge for horses. The open bottom may spook some horses, and others may struggle to assess the jump properly.
• Water: Water obstacles vary in size and layout, ranging from small puddles to large ponds. These may include steep entrances and exits, and horses must clear specific obstacles inside them in a particular order.

Penalties & Faults

Penalties can be incurred in various ways during cross-country, including refusals, run-outs, or exceeding the optimum time. Penalties vary depending on the competition level. Riders should familiarize themselves with all the different penalty rules for their level before heading out of the start box.

Table 1. Summary of common penalties and faults in cross-country riding ^[5]

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Walking the Course

Start your course walk by assessing the warm-up area and the start box. Knowing the distance between the warm-up area and the start box helps you plan your warm-up, especially if the start box is a significant distance from the warm-up area. ^[6]

Walk the course on your own first and familiarize yourself with the jumps and potential routes. Memorizing the layout is particularly helpful at higher levels where there may be more obstacle options. A solo walk before walking the course with a trainer can help you focus on the details most relevant to you. If possible, consider walking the course the day before competition as well. ^[6]

To be competitive in cross-country, you need to make the optimum time in addition to clearing the obstacles. Water jumps, drop fences, and rail-ditch-rail combinations take longer to clear compared to single, softer-profile fences like brushes or roll tops. Be mindful of what obstacles you’ll face and how they can affect your time. ^[7]

While walking the course, it’s essential to stay focused and distraction-free.  Staying present on the course helps prevent surprises when riding at speed during your round. ^[6]

Refresh your knowledge of the rules before the event. If you have any questions about the course, don’t hesitate to ask a trainer or the Technical Delegate for clarification. ^[6]

Developing a Strategy

The following guidance can help you make the most of walking a cross-country course before your ride.

Obstacles

When walking a cross-country course, consider the technical aspects of each obstacle. At lower levels, especially in one-day events, many riders only walk the course once and consider more than just the fences they’ll encounter.

Plan your approach to each obstacle and anticipate any possible changes to your strategy. Visualize each jump while maintaining awareness of the entire course to prepare for both the obstacles and the pace of the ride. ^[8]

Minute Markers

An important step in walking a cross-country course is locating the minute markers. Knowing where each minute falls helps you track whether you’re ahead or behind on time. Many riders use a GPS-based app or a wheel to assess the location of each minute marker on the course. ^[7] Having a stopwatch when riding the course is crucial to track your timing. ^[7]

Planning Your Ride

On the course walk, pay attention to your line from one obstacle to another. Plan to ride a direct and efficient line, minimizing unnecessary strides between obstacles. Ensure each stride counts and avoid covering excessive ground.

While walking the course, take the time to turn around and review the previous fence to assess whether you’re still following the most direct path. ^[7] Use landmarks like trees or markers during the course walk to plan and gauge when to gallop and when to prepare for the next fence when riding the course. ^[6]

Finally, make sure to always know the location of the finish flags. Missing the finish line, even after completing the final jump, can be a costly mistake. ^[7]

Tips for Riding a Cross-Country Course

Some key steps you can take to successfully ride a cross-country course include: ^[7][8]

• Accelerate after landing off an obstacle: To avoid wasting precious time, make sure to keep moving after a jump. While speed is important, also prioritize your horse’s balance and set your pace based on the challenges of the terrain.
• Avoid being overly cautious: Approach obstacles with confidence. Allow enough time to properly set up your horse before the obstacle without wasting unnecessary seconds.
• Maintain a smooth rhythm: During the ride, focus on consistency rather than constantly pulling back or urging forward.
• Ride in a two-point seat: While in between fences, stay off the horse’s back and sit up as you approach the next fence to signal a half-halt. For greener horses, you may need to apply more effort to steady and prepare your horse before the next obstacle.
• Know your horse: Understand your horse’s abilities and limitations, and stay focused during the ride.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about walking a cross-country course:

Summary

Successfully navigating a cross-country course requires preparation, focus, and strategy. Walking the course is a key principle of cross-country riding and competition.

• Cross-country courses are uniquely tailored to each competition, challenging horse and rider with varied terrain and a diverse range of obstacles like water complexes, banks, arrowheads, and tables
• Knowing how to interpret flags, markers, and course flow is essential for success
• Riders must be well-versed in penalties related to disobedience, falls, time faults, and course errors
• Riders should memorize minute markers, plan lines between fences, and use landmarks to develop a ride strategy that balances pace, safety, and efficiency