cross country question

[showjump2003]

Hi. I'm planning on doing my first ever cross country competition this summer! I'm very excited but also scared at the same time! About three years ago I took my horse around somerford park with no problems so hoping we won't do too badly!

My question is, what is the main difference between a hunter trail and a cross country qualifier? And which would be best to start with? Thanks.

 

[MissDeMeena]

depends on what the qualifier is for??
but i'd say it would be easiest to start with a small hunter trial..

 

[Baggybreeches]

A hunter trial, is usually more straight forward, a cross country course generally is built specifically for one day events and therefore tend to be more challenging. Both would prove an educational outing for a novicey horse. Good luck with which ever you decide to do.

 

[Safina]

HTs often set an optimum time (aparently set with reference to an appropriate hunting pace) and are suppose to have natural obstacles you would face out hunting - a gate may be included for instance.

Cross-country may be more technically difficult with potentially less natural jumps and often its a case of fastest clear wins. There may be an maximum time limit rather than an optimum time.

In reality the lines are becoming more and more blurred and HT/XC are pretty similar!