XC water jumps rules

[Sami Shoaib]

Is it true that horses have to go thru a minimum of 6m of water on an official XC course? I can see in the rules it says the width of the crossing must be at least 6m but noting about length.

I have been to events that definately dont satisfy this rule, is it illegal to run an unofficial event that doesnt satisfy this rule???

[vince roche]

Yes. The rule: www.efanational.com/site/equestrian/national/downloads/2005/3DE/rules/Annex_05_CNC_Specs.pdf.
Width of the crossing is actually what you describe as "the length".
Minimum is particularly for jump in -> jump out, and TDs may be a little more lenient if there is a ramp in or ramp out. The intention of the rule is that a horse should be able to see clearly that this is water to go through rather than jump over. Vince