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Spectator's Guide to Horse Trials (3 of 3) Scoring Horse Trials are scored in penalties - so the competitor with the lowest score wins as in Golf. In the dressage phase, the penalty score is arrived at by adding up all the good marks awarded, subtracting them from the maximum possible and then reducing them by the application of a coefficient. This is done to prevent the dressage from exerting an undue influence on the competition as a whole. The ideal ratio is 3: 12: 1 - Dressage: Cross-Country: Show Jumping.
In the Cross Country and Show Jumping, penalties are awarded for exceeding the optimum time or for incurring jumping penalties. There are no bonus points available for completing any phase inside the optimum time - the really skilful rider brings his horse home as close to the optimum as possible so as to conserve energy and ensure he remains fit to "fight another day". Horse Trials (also known as Eventing) is the most all round test of both horse and rider demanding fitness, discipline and courage. A top Event Horse and Rider must excel in all three phases and not just be a specialist in one. We hope you enjoy your day and if you have any further queries do please come to the Secretary's Tent where we will be pleased to help you if we can! |
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