Your prelim Event courses are generally not set at related distances. Hunter and Eq courses are set for a specific number and length of stride. Adding or leaving out are substantial deductions and are wrong answers to the questions asked by the course designer, it’s part of the question asked by the course, can you get the numbers. It is what it is and generally horses that get the numbers look much smoother and showcase the rider better which is what the course designer intended. There may be options in striding but a three to a two vertical oxer oxer set at 36’ and 24’ (on a forward course like Lamplight might be 37’ or 38’ and 25’) is going to demand the correct number to ride well and look good. Four to a three won’t fit in there.
In Jumping or Eventing? Does not matter as long as it’s safe and does not figure into the judging which is completely subjective. Huge difference in concept.
