The cross-country phase has the most significant influence on the whole competition. The horse and rider are expected to negotiate a course of natural obstacles between 16 and 30 in number set in varying terrain within an optimum time. Competitors are penalised for refusals or falls at fences, or for either exceeding the optimum time or going too quickly. Horses are graded on a points system, points being awarded for wins and placings in official British Eventing events.

 

The more experienced horses are required to compete in more testing competitions than novices; firstly at intermediate and then advanced level. At Poplar Park there are four levels of competition - BE80, BE90, BE100, Novice and Intermediate. XC will run on both Saturday and Sunday, starting at 9.00am on both days.