How did the English Equestrian event called the Steeplechase come about? Aren't steeples on top of churches?

serpa

The steeplechase originated in Ireland in the 18th century as an analogue to cross-country thoroughbred horse races which went from church steeple to church steeple, hence "steeplechase". The first steeplechase is said to have been the result of a wager in 1752 between Mr. Cornelius O'Callaghan and Mr. Edmund Blake, racing four miles (6 km) cross-country from Buttevant Church to St. Leger Church in Doneraile, in Cork, Ireland. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steeplechase Dec 18 09, 12:24 AM

Baloo55th

When you think about it, it's not easy to see things a long way off in most countryside. Steeples tend to be tall and thin, unlike towers which are short and fat... It's easy to see a steeple for a long way, especially as the churches were often built on higher ground. In a steeplechase, you are 'chasing' the steeple. (What you are supposed to do with it when you've caught it, I don't know.) A steeplechase in origin is a bit like orienteering on horseback, without a compass. Dec 18 09, 2:05 PM

Baloo55th

Should be a ref in there: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steeple_%28architecture%29 Dec 18 09, 4:50 PM