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This is the first phase and judges a horse's ability to perform a number of set movements within a
marked
out arena. The judges look for a calm, obedient, elegant and accurate test where the partnership
is harmonious
with the horse responding easily and willingly to its rider.
This phase tests the ability of horse and rider to jump obstacles, which unlike those in the cross-country
phase,
can be knocked down. It demonstrates the horse's fitness, obedience and jumping accuracy. There
is a time
element involved but only if the time allowed is exceeded.
This is considered the most exciting element of the competition. The team must complete a variety of
obstacles testing their fitness, technique, adaptability, courage and endurance.
Courses are technical
with combination fences, such as the water jump which has numerous elements requiring multiple jumps
to be completed in close succession. Some fences offer the a choice of possible routes through the
obstacle. The quickest route is usually the most difficult and the simpler option allows horse and rider
to negotiate the obstacle with less risk but utilising more time.
Horse Trials are scored in penalties; the competitor with the lowest score wins. In dressage, the penalty
score is arrived at by adding up all the marks awarded, subtracting them from the maximum possible
applying a coefficient. In both show jumping and crosscountry, penalties are incurred for exceeding the
optimum time or for acquiring jumping penalties.
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