Drop fence
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A drop fence is an obstacle commonly seen on the cross-country phase of equestrian eventing. It is a bank-style jump with a log fence at the take-off, requiring the horse to jump the fence but then land a step lower than the take-off. A drop fence may be used as part of a combination (for example, one in which the rider will land, take a stride or two, before encountering a water obstacle) or as an individual obstacle.
When approaching a drop fence, the rider generally slows the horse down so he does not launch off the bank, while still maintaining enough momentum to get over the log. If the rider slows down too much, the horse may refuse or catch himself on takeoff, resulting in a fall.