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M.F.H.A. STANDING COMMITTEE ON CROSS COUNTRY TEAM CHASING

Course Layout And Construction Guidelines

The requirements of a team chase course are unique to the sport and differ from those of an eventing or hunter trial course, although the basic principles of fence construction are the same.

Layout
There will be natural constraints put on the layout by the venue available and some compromise may have to be reached but important factors are:
  1. A good view of the course from the spectator/car park area.

  2. Safe access to the course for spectators.

  3. Vehicle access for medical, veterinary and fence repair.

  4. A trade stand / catering area off limit to horses.

  5. A warm up / practice area close to the start.

  6. A public address system, which includes the lorry park.

  7. The use of barrier tape around horse areas (it will break if a horse gets entangled). This is also useful to create safe spectator viewing areas close to popular fences.

  8. After the finish there should be sufficient distance for pulling-up in an area free of spectators.

  9. Ideally a course length of between one and a half and two miles is recommended (see paragraph on ‘Classes’ in ‘The Rules’), with 25 to 30 fences.

Course Construction
The most important point to remember in building a team chase course is the boldness and quality of the fences. Team chasing is a competition decided on time. The course should be built with this in mind. Various methods can be found to reduce speed such as tight turns, careful fence flagging, pens, etc.
  1. The course should be nearly the same as possible for the last team as for the first. To ensure this, attention should be paid to the state of take offs and landings to ensure they are sound and not likely to become unduly poached in wet weather.

  2. The fence construction materials used must be robust, this will minimise repairs on the day. The availability and quality of repair materials should also be carefully considered.

  3. All fences must have good ground lines. The first fence should be broad, inviting and straight on from the start.

  4. Maximum use should be made of natural fences, particularly hedges.

  5. Greenery in hedges makes the horses jump better, protects the horse and hedge, and improves the appearance of the course. A Christmas tree on either side of the fence helps steering and protects flags.

  6. Narrow island obstacles should be avoided. Fences should be sufficiently wide for more than one competitor to jump at a time (approx. 6 metres is ideal).

  7. It is nearly always essential to rail hedges for protection. The rails should be secure, imposing and substantial enough not to be damaged in normal circumstances.
    Rails should always be on the take off side of hedges, as rails sited behind hedges are dangerous.
    Never reinforce natural fences with a high single rail. Use either a fixed ground line or preferably a ground line and rails to two-thirds height of the hedge.

  8. Post and rail fencing and timber obstacles must be well build and should not look airy. Telegraph poles are the best timber to use and should be roped on, not nailed.



  10. Ditches should have sound, well-supported banks, be well defined, preferably with a pole on take off and the grass strimmed so that the ditch can be easily seen.

  11. Water obstacles should have sound, even bottoms and firm banks. Jumps out of water should be avoided. When jumping into water, maximum depth of water should not exceed 12 inches.

  12. The size of the fences is not important if they are consistent. However, a bigger well-built fence will generally jump better as the horses can judge a larger fence more easily at speed than a smaller one, which is below their eye level.
    Avoid one or two large fences in an otherwise much smaller course. Fences should be generally of an even height and size for the type of course to be constructed (see paragraph on ‘Classes’ in ‘The Rules’).

  13. A pen is recommended half way round the course to provide a spectacle and bring the team together (see paragraph on ‘A Pen’ in ‘The Rules’).

  14. A practice fence should be provided in the collecting ring, which should be solid and of a suitable height for all competitors.

  15. The following are considered dangerous and should be avoided:
    1. Large bales or any straw bales on their own.
    2. Walls of unsecured tyres etc.
    3. Narrow fences in wet areas.
    4. Jumping into trees or woods.
    5. Galloping through unprotected or narrow gateways.
    6. Exposed stakes in mechanically cut hedges.
    7. Wire in, or too close to any obstacle.
    8. The crossing of the course by different competing teams.
    9. The use of rope (not easily broken) rather than barrier tape in horse areas.
    10. Upright fences without good ground lines.
    11. Flimsy materials, which encourage horses to be careless.
Please consult the MFHA before starting construction of a new course. They will be pleased to put you in touch with a course inspector for practical advice.
It is recommended that fence builders acquire a copy of ‘Course Design and Construction for Horse Trials’ edited by Mary Gordon-Watson. Published by Threshold Books in 1987.