Cross Country is very much an endurance event as it takes a lot of trust between horse and rider.

Once again as it has been addressed in both show jumping and dressage, it is important for the rider to walk the course this will help the rider to access the distances between the fences and the best possible approach to the fence.

It is important within cross country, when you are actually riding that you keep the red flags on your right hand side and the white flags to your left hand side.  Making sure that when you are riding, you ride in the middle of the flags.

Beware that cross country is hard going for both you and your horse, make sure that all your horses tack fits correctly and stitch the headpiece of the bridle to the horses forelock, this is a precaution just in case the rider should come off, it will prevent the bridle from falling off the horse as well.  Put leather boots or exercise bandages to the four legs of your horse as this will prevent an injuries to the horse if he jumps badly or if the horse becomes unbalanced for some reason.

The riders dress should include an approved skullcap with a chin strap, breeches and cross country shirt and sweater this has to be finished of by a stock or hunting pin.  It is advised that the rider should wear string or rubber palmed gloves these are better as they won't allow the reins to slip.

You have to take into account that cross country is different to that of show jumping as you have to remember that the horse is actually landing on uneven ground, if it is necessary you may have to slow your horse down to a trot to correct the leg that it is on or correct the stride on the approach up to a jump, once this has been done you can proceed into a forward going canter.

The most important thing to do once you have finished your round is to cool down your horse and check him thoroughly for any cuts or bruises that may have occurred over the time when you were completing the course.