obstacles

Elements that the horse and rider must clear during a competition; a penalty is given when the animal upsets one of the movable components of an obstacle.

water jump

Obstacle made up of a water-filled ditch with a hedge in front; the horse commits a fault if it touches the water or the lath marking the end of the river.

wall and rails

Obstacle made up of a wall with one or two movable bars on top.

gate

Obstacle shaped like a simple fence and made up of fixed boards laid side by side.

triple bars

Three-part obstacle composed of movable parallel bars; each successive obstacle increases in height.

wall

Obstacle composed of a set of usually wooden, stacking blocks; the top of the wall is rounded to prevent the horses from being hurt.

oxer

Two-part obstacle composed of movable parallel bars; there are two designs, one of identical heights (square oxer) and one of different heights (jumping oxer).

brush and rails

Obstacle composed of a vertical component with a hedge in front.

post and rail

Obstacle composed of a set of movable bars that are laid one on top of another.

post and plank

Obstacle composed of wide movable boards (planks) that are laid one on top of another; planks are less stable than bars.