I love to event and am glad you want to dip your toes in the water! My tips are to have a good helmet as XC jumps do not move and a good safety vest. Make sure you mare is very bold if you aren't. I had a horse who bucked me off all the time in SJ so I had to get a horse who is bold and confident in SJ but willing in XC. SJ scared me but not XC. Make lots of friends. No matter if you decide to stick with it or not, these people will stick with you. Have fun!