Cross-country in eventing: how to get off to a great start

What exactly is cross-country?

Cross-country is the second phase of eventing and is ridden over a cross-country course of 2 to 6 kilometres, depending on the level. The obstacles are fixed — they do not give way if your horse touches them — and are spread across grass fields, through forests, and sometimes through water. At entry level (BE80 or BE90 in the Netherlands), the obstacles are 80 to 90 centimetres high and the course is relatively straightforward. Even so, this level requires a horse that walks calmly through water, jumps over banks, and can gallop at an active pace without panicking. Make sure your horse has mastered all the basic exercises outdoors before you start competing.

Essential equipment for cross-country

Safety comes first. Make sure your equipment complies with FEI and KNHS rules for your level.

• Approved hat (ASTM F1163 or EN 1384, minimum 3 stars) — check the label
• Level 3 body protector (BETA 2018) or airbag vest as a supplement
• Safety stirrups or breakaway stirrup irons
• Brushing boots and tendon boots for the horse
• Cross-country saddle with a secure seat; do not use a numnah that moves excessively
• Breastplate to keep the saddle in place on steep slopes or banks

How do you train towards your first course?

A structured training build-up of at least three months is realistic for beginners with no previous cross-country experience. Start with individual fences in the outdoor arena or on a practice field, then move on to combination exercises, and finally to full practice course rides. Pay extra attention to water — many horses hesitate the first time. Practise water work specifically at least five times before your competition day. Ask your trainer for feedback after every session and record your findings in your horse's profile in EquiSight, so you can track progress session by session. Also schedule your training sessions directly in the EquiSight calendar so nothing gets overlooked in the run-up to the competition.

Walking the course: what to look out for

• Walk the course at least twice: once for an overall picture, once for details
• Note obstacles with an A/B combination — plan your line from A to B precisely
• Pay attention to the ground: wet grass or loose sand calls for a different riding pace
• Identify your escape routes (alternative line) at every challenging obstacle
• Estimate the distance and desired pace: at BE80 you ride approximately 350 metres per minute
• Photograph the tricky sections and discuss them with your trainer the evening before

Common mistakes made by beginners

The biggest pitfall is approaching obstacles too fast. Horses that are not yet familiar with the terrain need a calm, steady rhythm to jump correctly. Too much speed leads to an irregular take-off distance and an increased risk of falling. A second common mistake is looking down at the fence — always look towards your next point. Finally, many riders underestimate the importance of their own fitness: riding a 2.5-kilometre cross-country course at pace is physically demanding. Actively train your own fitness too, at least twice a week.

On competition day: how to prepare

• Warm your horse up for 20 to 30 minutes before the start — including some jumping warm-up
• Check your equipment with the technical delegate before heading to the start box
• Make sure your start time is in the EquiSight calendar, including warm-up time and course walk
• Bring an experienced helper who can meet you at the start box and cool your horse down afterwards
• Drink plenty of water and eat lightly — avoid a full stomach in the two hours before the start