What is the difference between a HURDLE and actual STEEPLE?

Question

In Aussie racing, there are hurdles and steeples. They are both "brush tops" for the safety of the horses and jockeys, but what is the difference between the two?

Answer 1

Hurdle are smaller or lower than steeplechase obstacles.

Answer 2

Generally, the difference between a hurdle and the fences in a steeplechase has to do with solidity and height:  in a steeplechase race, the fences have a more solid, permanent construction, and may be natural hedge;  also, a steeplechase race can include ditches and water jumps, which a hurdle race cannot.  

The governing body of steeplechase/hurdle racing sets the specifications and definitions of what kind of obstacles are included in races, how they are to be constructed, and the allowable dimensions of the obstacles.  Here in America, The National Steeplechase Association sets the specifications for obstacles.  http://www.nationalsteeplechase.com/abou... if you click on "Rules of Racing" you'll get a .pdf file that gives definitions for hurdles and so forth.  

In Britain, the National Hunt Steeplechase Committee would be the entity that keeps the specifications that describe the dimensions and construction of fences in steeplechase and hurdle races.

Here in America, in addition to racing over hurdles and hedges, we have "timber racing" over VERY solid timber fences.  The Maryland Hunt Cup is one such race:  http://www.marylandsteeplechasing.com/ma... (if you look at the picture of the horses jumping the fence on the page that opens, you'll see that there is absolutely no forgiveness about the fences in this race-- if a horse doesn't jump it clean, there's going to be a crash).

Generally, hurdles are constructed so that a horse can safely crash through about the top foot of the hurdle.  Hurdlers don't have to jump quite as clean as horses in steeplechases or in timber races.  

I hope that helps.