Cross Country Fences: Complete Guide for Eventing Riders

Competing over cross country requires a thorough understanding of the various fence types you’ll encounter. This comprehensive guide covers the shapes, riding strategies, and challenges of the most common fences, helping you train effectively and boost your confidence on any eventing course.

Arrowhead Fence

The arrowhead fence resembles a pointed arrow head embedded at an angle into the ground, making it narrower at the base than the top. Horses often try to run out on these fences, so a direct, positive riding approach is essential to keep the line straight and clear.

Bank (Steps)

Known also as steps, banks feature flat platforms with steep vertical changes between each. They may be designed as upward climbs or drops. Riding uphill requires strong impulsion so your horse can ascend easily, while riding downhill calls for a slow, balanced seat, allowing your horse to view the drop and control their stride safely.

Brush Fence

Brush fences look similar to steeplechase fences, with a pallet base topped by thick trimmed brush. Unlike show jumps, these should be brushed through rather than cleared cleanly. Getting your horse accustomed to jumping through the brush with confidence is key.

Bullfinch Fence

A variation of the brush fence, the bullfinch has very dense, tall brush the horse cannot see through. Trust between horse and rider becomes paramount when approaching and jumping through this fence, as horses may hesitate due to the visual barrier.

Chair Fence

Styled to resemble a chair, this fence requires the horse to jump the seat first, clearing the chair back last. Tactically, consider it like a ditch in front of a fence—your horse must clear both the width and height safely and confidently.

Chicken Coop Fence

Inventive in design, this prism-shaped fence mimics farm structures found on hacking routes. Jumping it demands attention to width and height clearance, so ride positively and with precision.

Coffin Combination Fence

One of the more technical cross country obstacles, the coffin requires jumping down into a ditch, then a precise uphill jump out after a short stride or two. Variations may include different footing such as dirt or sand. Accuracy in rhythm, balance, and tempo is essential to navigate this combination smoothly.

Combinations

Common throughout all levels, combination fences consist of multiple elements labelled alphabetically and must be jumped in order. Refusal at any element means the entire combination must be repeated. Course designers often add hard and easy route options—be prepared to adjust your pace and riding strategy accordingly. Clarity in stride length and maintaining impulsion will help success.

Corner Fence

V-shaped and resembling a slice of cake, corner fences require honesty and accuracy. Horses tend to run out if not well trained. Practice jumping near the point of the corner to reduce spread and keep your approach focused. Use show jumps for training to help your horse get used to the solid nature of these fences.

Ditch Fence

Ditches loom large on cross country courses and often provoke suspicion in horses. To tackle ditches confidently, ride on the forehand and keep your horse’s head elevated, allowing a clear sight line. You might need to lengthen stride approaching larger ditches to ensure a safe and clean clearance of the spread.

Log Fence

Logs are natural or fallen timber fences and form the backbone of many cross country courses. They are solid and unforgiving, unlike show jump poles, so horses must clear them without contact. Some log fences lack a ground line, making practice over similar solid fences crucial for success.

Table Fence

As the name suggests, this fence is shaped like a table, a flat and broad obstacle requiring strong engagement from your horse’s back and hindquarters. Often positioned near the start of novice courses, tables help build confidence for horse and rider with their solid, wide spread.

Trakehner Fence

A Trakehner features a rail placed over a sizeable ditch beneath. It was originally designed by German Trakehner breeders to test the bravery and ability of young horses. Approaching this fence demands boldness and a strong, committed ride to clear the ditch and rail confidently.

Water Obstacles

Water elements, whether simple stream crossings or more complex jumps in and out of water, are a common fixture. Always walk the course with waterproof boots or waders, evaluating footing depth and surface safety carefully. Because many horses are wary of water, increasing their exposure beforehand is crucial for reducing hesitation.

Training and Preparation Tips

1. Practice at Home with Portable Fences: Use schooling fences resembling competition obstacles such as coops, logs, and banks where possible to familiarise your horse.
2. Develop Trust and Confidence: Work on trusting your horse through tricky fence types like bullfinches and coffins by backing them up calmly during training.
3. Focus on Rhythm and Impulsion: Maintain an even pace and impulsion to adapt quickly to varying stride distances within combinations.
4. Walk the Course Thoroughly: Study each fence carefully, noting footing, angles, and approach lines so you can plan your ride effectively.
5. Adapt Riding Position: Change your seat and balance as needed, especially on banks or ditches, to support your horse’s control and confidence.

With solid preparation, familiarity with fence types, and attentive riding, cross country courses become enjoyable and rewarding tests of your horsemanship.

For more information on finding suitable event horses and learning more about Trakehner horses for sale, explore reputable sellers and ensure responsible ownership and training practices.