The Probert Encyclopaedia of Recreation

STEEPLECHASE

Originally a steeplechase was a trial of speed and jumping powers between two or more horses across the country between two church steeples. Today, the course is a regular race course with artificial fences for the horses to jump. In athletics, the 3000 meters steeplechase is a hurdling event for men on the programme of all major athletics championships.
Research Steeplechase