What is a frangible fence, and why is there a penalty for breaking one?
A · Advanced · Cross-country · 2 of 5A fence built so that a rail drops or the fence gives when a horse hits it hard, to stop the horse somersaulting over it. Setting one off, so that the fence's dimensions change, costs 11 penalties. The rider carries on. Certain types of fence must be fitted with these devices at every level.
How it works
- The penalty: "Activating a frangible device where the dimension of the fence is modified", 11 penalties.
- Where they must be fitted: on "all open oxers, open corners, verticals or near verticals with open rails, top rail on triple bars and gates" that suit an approved device.
- Approved only: the technology must be approved by the FEI against its strength standard.
- Still solid: the device must not take away from the solidity of the fence in ordinary use.
- Carrying on: the round continues after the penalty.
- Retaking it: attempting again an activated frangible element that has not been restored means elimination.
- With a fall: if the horse or rider falls in the same movement, the 11 penalties are not added to the result, since the fall already eliminates.
- Never waived otherwise: the points for activating a device are not removed in any other case.
- Other dismantling: fences where a horse could be trapped must be built so that part can be taken apart quickly and rebuilt exactly.
The glossary has the frangible device, the obstacle, cross-country, the fall and the penalty points entry.
Tricky cases
A horse taps a frangible rail with a hind foot and it drops. Is that 11 penalties?
Yes, under the rule as written, if the device was activated and the dimension of the fence changed. The rule does not ask how hard the hit looked.
Is the rider eliminated when the fence gives way?
No. It is 11 penalties, and the round continues.
A horse refuses at a frangible fence and breaks the rail in stopping. The rider comes round again at once. What happens?
Elimination, if they attempt the element before it has been restored to its original condition.
Are all cross-country fences frangible?
No. Only fences of the listed types whose rails suit an approved device. Solid logs, tables and banks are not.
Why the rule exists
The worst accidents in the sport were rotational falls, where a horse hit a fixed rail with its forearms and turned over on to its rider. A rail that drops under that kind of blow stops the rotation. The 11 penalties keep it a cross-country fence and not a show jump: a hit hard enough to break the device was a serious mistake.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Activating a device | 11 penalties | FEI Eventing 548.1 |
| A show jumping rail | 4 penalties | FEI Eventing 553.1 |
| With a fall in the same movement | The fall's elimination applies and the 11 are not counted | FEI Eventing 548.1 |
From the rule book
Fédération Équestre Internationale, Eventing Rules 2026, articles 547.2.2, 547.2.4, 548.1 and 549.4.1. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: FEI Eventing Rules 2026 (PDF).