 Held on the second day of competition during a three-day event, cross-country is a test of the strength and stamina of horse and rider. While today's "short format" no longer includes the roads & tracks or steeplechase phases of the traditional long format events, the cross-country test remains the dominant factor of any three-day event. It is a course of natural "questions" such as ditches, banks, logs and water, approached at anything from a strong canter to solid gallop, depending on the level. These are fixed or solid obstacles which, unlike the stadium jumps of Sunday's portion of the competition, do not fall down. The aim is to finish with no penalties added to the existing dressage score - try to finish with as low a score as possible. Penalties are accrued for disobediences such as a run-out or refusal, or a fall of the rider on course. And you mustn't forget about the time allowed - you still have to stay on target and get home before the clock runs out.
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