Eventing riders will tackle the cross-country course at the Olympic Games in Paris today (28 July). What does each fence look like? Find out below.
Optimum time: 9 minutes 2 seconds
Number of fences: 28
Jumping efforts: 45
Course designer: Pierre le Goupil
Length of course: 5,149 metres
Fence 1 The Olympic Crown
The first fence is slightly uphill. It is far enough from the starting box for a forward and positive start.
Fence 2 The Builders’ Oxer
This enormous oxer is 1.18m high with a top spread of 1.75m and a base width of 2.4m. It is a frangible fence for safety reasons, which means it will fall down if hit by the horse, incurring penalties.
The theme of this fence is a tribute to the skill of all woodworkers, including those who built these fences. It features two traditional hand tools and an apprenticeship symbol.
Fence 3 The Peacocks’ Shelter
The peacock shelter is situated in the ‘Peacock Allée’. Maximum dimensions are used here with a base spread of 2.7m and a jumping width of 4m.
Fence 4 Courtship of the Peacock
This ditch and brush is a cross-country fence classic, with the grand canal in the background.
Fence 5abc Ménagerie Pond
This is the first water jump and first combination fence. The central water fountain will be on their left as horses gallop through. There are two different routes to allow the less confident horses/riders to take more time between efforts.
The direct route here is a jump into the water over an angled fence (The Mangrove) and then a brush corner (The Nest) in the water. The C element is a step out of the water.
Fence 6ab Ménagerie Fountain
After jumping up and out of the water over a pontoon at 5c, there are two strides to this frangible skinny fountain.
Fence 7ab Ulysses’ Companions
There is a step to an angled frangible birch log or the option of taking a longer route to a similar but more straightforward version.
Fence 8 The Reading Corner
There is a choice between two similar brush fences to jump. This is what is considered ‘a good galloping fence’ and riders won’t be wasting time here.
Fence 9 The Pastoral Enclosure
This frangible rustic open oxer comes after a long gallop uphill and will help riders to regain control and balance before the next fence, which is the second water jump.
Fence 10ab Vauban Citadelle
There multiple routes here: a stone-effect bridge over a ditch leads to a narrow ‘V’ then to one of four brush corners.
Alternatively, a simple ditch leads to angled brushes or a narrow brush oxer into the water, followed by one of the brush corners.
Fence 11 Science Laboratory
This is a let-up fence where horses and riders can catch their breath and rebuild their confidence. This table is related to the next fence (12) with a smooth curve to the left in 7 or 8 strides.
Fence 12 Enlightenment Bookcase
The bookcase table comes seven or eight strides on a smooth curving line after fence 11.
Fence 13ab Sailors’ Workshop
These two boat hulls are parallel but offset. Accuracy will be key.
Fence 14 Impressionists’ Guinguette
A simple but huge picnic table of maximum dimensions, this is located on the approach to the first pontoon across the Grand Canal.
Fence 15 Tiny Ditch
This natural ditch may look small, but the white limestone on the landing side will help riders read it properly. It also prepares them for the next element, requiring a positive, forward approach as they go uphill.
Fence 16abcd Viewpoint over the Grand Canal
There is a huge step down to another ditch, followed by three strides to a skinny arrowhead brush.
Fence 17ab The à la Française Garden
Two large angled brush fences are positioned here.
Fence 18 The Stag
Horses jump between the antlers, over the top of the stag’s head. It looks different, but from a jumping point of view it should be a straightforward question.
Fence 19 Estovers Log Piles
This is a big but relatively straightforward fence for riders at this level.
Fence 20 Estovers Log Piles
Another large but inviting log pile that is well within the permitted dimensions for an Olympic cross-country course.
Fence 21abc Whimsical Woods
This is the last section in the woodland and it is the most naturally undulating part of the course. A frangible vertical fence in front of a slope is followed by a big skinny brush log pimple.
Fence 22 Traditional French Equestrian School
While galloping towards the last section of the course, competitors will have to negotiate this huge saddlery trunk. It isn’t technically difficult but it does come after a few downhill strides and demands attention.
Fence 23abcd Étoile Royale waters
This is the third and final water fence. A hanging log takes horses into the water before a turn to a brush fence in the water. Riders then have the choice of a sharp turn to an open corner or taking a slightly longer route to another open corner.
Fence 24 Hundred Steps Staircase
This straightforward triple-bar fence is another frangible obstacle on the course, jumped towards the canal.
Fence 25 & 26 Cornelian Dilemma
These two angled brush fences are connected but numbered separately. This means any circles between the fences won’t be penalised, but it will cost time.
Fence 27 Los Angeles 2028
This frangible fence does symbolises a passing of the Olympic torch and is inspired by the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. LA will host the Games in 2028.
Fence 28 Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité
The last fence references the French Olympic motto. It is positioned on top of a small mound and the small bushes on the approach should help horses read the fence more effectively.
Useful links
View the cross-country start list
See the full team standings after dressage
Read the full individual standings after dressage
