Spectator Hints for Walking the Cross Country Course

Here are a few hints that might help you better enjoy the course:

• DO always give horses the right of way
• DO always keep an ear open for "Heads Up" or "Horse on Course" and clear well out of the way of the galloping path
• DO stand still when horses are galloping by you
• DO instantly heed all commands, directions, requests and warnings of course officials, jump judges and anyone on the back of a horse
• DO keep dogs leashed at all times
• DON'T give verbal assistance or instruction to riders, as this is considered illegal assistance, and the rider could be eliminated. Applause is fine and encouraged.
• Visit the water complex, which is always an exhilarating show
• Walk out onto the meadow knoll near the cross-country start, which provides an excellent vantage point for viewing several jumps
• Familiarize yourself with the galloping path of the current division by looking at the course map, and know the only truly safe time to cross that path is just after a horse has passed you. Horses run at two minute intervals.

(Adapted from Fair Hill Equestrian Events, Inc.)