British Eventing (BE) members will have the opportunity for more cross country runs in 2025 with the pilot launch of XC+.
XC+ will provide a shorter format of eventing, allowing participants to compete in two (2) out of the three (3) phases of the sport on the day.
So, if you and your horse love cross country but dread the dressage or showjumping is your nemesis, this is the perfect way to get your adrenaline kick and avoid the phase you dislike most. And let’s face it, that isn’t going to be cross country for eventers (after all, that’s why we do it!)
Save time and money but safety still paramount
Removing one phase also lessens demands on riders’ time and the entry fee for XC + will be 75% of the standard class fee.
The classes will run alongside standard BE competitions at BE80 and BE90 levels at selected events with sufficient capacity and will be open to all British Eventing members, including Pay-As-You-Go members, who have completed a standard class at the same level within the past 12 months.
Members will be able to enter XC + one week after the ballot date and will have limited availability during the pilot year. Timings will integrate into the event schedule and, while the dress code for XC+ will be more relaxed, BE say that safety remains paramount with all riders required to meet the minimum safety equipment requirements as outlined in the BE Handbook.
There will be no official scoring during the initial trial period, but as the trial progresses, a scoring system will be developed and tested to add a competitive element.
“This new concept is a really positive addition to British Eventing’s competitive offering, particularly for grassroots venues and members” says Laura de Wesselow, Joint Chair of the BEOHA “Not only will it offer a different spin on the classic format of eventing to members, but it will also benefit organisers by hopefully increasing the number of entries over a weekend of competition.”
