Hey everyone! Long time rider here, but haven’t competed since I was a kid (in h/j). I’ve been training to start eventing for a while now and rode as a jockey before and have schooled steeplechase horses, so I’m relitively competent lol. The thing is as I’m looking to start competing I’ve been overwhelmed by the plethora of rules. Some of which seem common sense while others make me scratch my head. Today’s question is about time/speed…
I’ve read you can be penalized for going too fast (even if you complete successfully and safely) in CC. Can anyone tell me more about this? Also does it apply to stadium as well?
The show jumping/cc I’ve witnessed in person (only at Rolex “land rover” and in europe) has always seemed like a decent clip, especially sj overseas. Yet now people are saying you have to be in a certain optimal time range. I am capable of controlling pace within fractions from the track but to have to pull up to a trot or circle because you’re doing it pretty easy seems odd.
any more info?
See EV.138.2.b EV.141.1.c.1, EV.141.2.b
There are speed faults in cross country at Beginner Novice, Novice and Training. No speed faults at higher levels.
There are no speed faults in Show Jumping.
But in both Cross Country and Show Jumping, at any level. you can get a dangerous riding penalty if the judge thinks you are dangerously fast.
Part of the skill of riding xc is precisely judging speed. Every course will have faster and slower sections: some intense areas with complex fences slow down riders, others have a couple of gallop fences where it is possible to make up time. This is one reason why an adjustable horse is necessary. Some courses are measured tightly for time, others more generous. It is the CD who sets the time and the riders have to make it. Speeds increase as the horse moves up the levels and they are clearly stated in the rules. It is also a safety thing. Too much speed prevents the horse reading the fence adequately so as they become more experienced they can go faster. It is possible to be penalised for going too fast and you will get penalties (time faults) for going over the optimum time i.e. too slow.
