“Point to point” horse-races were known originally as steeplechases and these were first run in Ireland.  Church steeples were used as the end point of races because they were prominent landmarks to aim for and could be seen over great distances. The races began informally as members of the hunting community kept their horses fit by racing from one steeple to another, over whatever hedges and ditches lay in their path.

The name “point to point”, which clearly alludes to the points of steeples, was coined in the 19th century and was initially synonymous with steeplechase. There is still considerable overlap between the two names although “point to point” is now usually reserved for races that are run across country and steeplechase usually refers to races run over prepared tracks, with fences and water-jumps which mimic the natural obstacles.

Most point-to-point courses are on ordinary farm land, although some courses are placed on the inside of professional courses.