Cross country is a hugely popular equestrian event, with competitors taking part in a range of disciplines from dressage to show jumping. Badminton Cross Country is one of the most challenging and exciting of these events, with a range of jumps for both horse and rider to negotiate. But how many jumps are there in a Badminton Cross Country course?
The Number of Jumps in Badminton Cross Country
The number of jumps in a Badminton Cross Country course varies from course to course, with the number of fences ranging from 15 to 22. The most common number of fences on a Badminton Cross Country course is 18, though the number of fences can be increased or decreased depending on the course and the level of competition. The average course will include approximately 18-22 fences of varying heights and styles.
Types of Fences in Badminton Cross Country
Badminton Cross Country courses include a range of different types of fences, designed to test the horse and rider’s skill and judgment. These include:
• Combinations: These are fences which require the horse and rider to jump two or more fences in quick succession, usually within a short distance of each other.
• Corners: Corners are fences which require the horse and rider to make a tight turn, usually at an angle of 90 degrees or more, before jumping the fence.
• Water Jumps: Water jumps are fences which require the horse and rider to jump over a pool of water, usually into or away from a landing zone.
• Ditches: Ditches are fences which require the horse and rider to jump into a ditch and then back out of it.
• Step Ups/Step Downs: These are fences which require the horse and rider to jump up or down a bank or mound of earth, often at an angle.
• Drop Jumps: Drop jumps are fences which require the horse and rider to jump down from a height, usually into a landing zone.
• Open Jumps: Open jumps are fences which do not have a solid structure, such as a wall or ditch, and require the horse and rider to negotiate them with greater accuracy.
• Brush Fences: Brush fences are fences which require the horse and rider to jump over a brush pile, usually made from logs or branches.
• Logs: Logs are fences which require the horse and rider to jump over a log, usually a fallen tree.
• Walls: Walls are fences which require the horse and rider to jump over a solid structure, such as a stone wall or a wooden plank.
• Gates: Gates are fences which require the horse and rider to jump over a gate, usually with a gate post.
• Banks: Banks are fences which require the horse and rider to jump onto or off a bank of earth, usually at an angle.
Safety Considerations for Badminton Cross Country
Badminton Cross Country is a challenging and potentially dangerous sport, and it is important for competitors to take safety seriously. The course should always be designed in such a way that it poses no risk to the horse and rider, and the fences should be designed to minimise the risk of injury. It is also important for the competitor to be aware of their own skill level and the horse’s ability, and to adjust their riding style accordingly.
Conclusion
Badminton Cross Country is a hugely popular equestrian event, with courses featuring a range of fences for both horse and rider to negotiate. The number of fences on a Badminton Cross Country course can vary from 15 to 22, with the average course featuring 18-22 fences of varying heights and styles. Competitors should take safety seriously and be aware of their own skill level and the horse’s ability when riding over the course.