The second test is the endurance phase designed to test the speed, endurance and jumping ability of the horse while proving the rider's knowledge of pace and ability to ride his or her horse across country. The "endurance phase" at the top level of competition consists of four phases, each of which must be completed in a set time. Phase A: Roads and Tracks - three and a half miles of walk and trot at a brisk pace to warm-up the horse and rider; Phase B: Steeplechase - two and one-eighth miles over eight steeplechase fences at a strong gallop at an average speed of 24 miles per hour; Phase C: Roads and Tracks - approx. seven miles of walk and trot at a slower pace to allow the horse to get his wind back (some riders actually dismount and run beside the horse); there is a 10-minute compulsory rest/vet-check after Phase C, to ensure that the horse is sound and fit enough to continue with the cross-country; and Phase D: Cross-country - approx. five miles at a gallop over forty-five obstacles that can be up to four feet high and ten feet wide. During this phase, the horse's speed is over 20 miles per hour. The cross-country course tests stamina and requires the horse and rider to be bold and smart and to work as a team to negotiate all the obstacles with as few penalties as possible. (Below: Ginny Leng and Priceless, European Championships, 1985).

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