Equestrian eventing is governed by a set of rules and regulations to ensure fair competition and the safety of both horse and rider. Below are the key elements that define the sport:
Ground Jury
A ground jury, composed of qualified judges and officials adhering to FEI standards, is responsible for inspecting the course and judging the competition.
Age Requirement
For Olympic competition, horses must be at least nine years old.
Communication Signals
- Bell: Used to communicate with competitors, signaling when they may enter the arena, halting or allowing them to continue after an interruption, or indicating elimination.
- Flags: Red or white flags mark obstacles or mandatory turns.
Jump Categories
Jumps are categorized into:
- Spreads
- Verticals
- Water Jumps
These jumps may be arranged in combinations to test the rider’s skill and the horse’s ability.
Penalties
- Four Faults: Awarded for each jump knocked down (e.g., if a rail or part of the jump falls).
- Four Faults: Given if one or more hooves leave an impression on the lath surrounding a water jump.
- Four Faults: Awarded for the first disobedience, such as a run-out or refusal to jump.
- Time Penalties:
- One penalty point for every four seconds (or portion thereof) exceeding the time allowed in the first and second rounds and in jump-offs not against the clock.
- One penalty point for each second (or portion thereof) exceeding the time allowed in a jump-off against the clock.
Grounds for Elimination
Elimination may occur for the following reasons:
- Horse falls (when the shoulders and haunches touch the ground) or rider falls.
- Second disobedience.
- Uncorrected deviation from the course.
- Exceeding the time limit.
These rules help maintain the integrity of the sport while ensuring the welfare of the participants. For detailed information on specific regulations, consult the official FEI guidelines.