Cross-country

The phase of eventing in which horse and rider gallop a course of fixed, natural obstacles scattered across undulating terrain: hedges, ditches, water crossings and banks. It tests the endurance, courage and fitness of the horse as much as the partnership of the pair. Penalties punish refusals and exceeding the optimum time. Expansive luxury equestrian estates lay out cross-country tracks within their grounds, integrating sport into the landscape.