Notes about Combined Training

* Combined Training involves competing in one round of Showjumping and one dressage test.

*Dressage tests are conducting in the same manner as they are for Associate Dressage competitions. However instead of a % score for your dressage test (where the higher the % the better!), your penalties will be used for scoring – so the lower the penalty score the better!
* For your Showjumping round the horse may wear boots, bandages or a running martingale
* You should walk the jumping course on foot before your round during the allocated time – listen for the announcement on the day that the course is open for walking for all competitors
* You should take note of the jump numbers and the flags. The red flags are on the right and the white flags on left of the jumps. You must pass all flags correctly, under all circumstances.
* You must do a gear check prior to doing your showjumping round and entering the practise jump arena.
* The Marshall will tell you when it is your turn to jump. Have a last practice jump if you need to then wait by the entrance. When you enter the ring, you should approach the judge (who will have a penciller sitting next to them), Salute and give your name and your horses name. After the salute, the judge will ring the bell and you have 45 seconds to start your round by passing through the Start Line which will be marked with flags or a sign.
* You are given penalties/faults for knocking down a jump, if your horse refuses a jump, if you fall off or if you exceed the maximum allowed time to complete the course.
* While riding the course, be careful not to cross your own path between two jumps (i.e. If you get lost and circle around in front of a jump before going over it) as this is technically scored as a refusal.
* After completing your jumps, be sure that you pass through the finish line, which will be marked with flags or a sign.
* Elimination occurs when the horse refuses twice, if the rider jumps a jump in the incorrect order or misses a jump, if the horse and/or rider falls, or if the time limit is exceeded by more than twice the allocated time.
* If your horse refuses a jump and knocks it down in the process, the judge will ring the bell to stop the clock while the jump is rebuilt. The clock will then be restarted when you recommence your jumping round.
* A refusal is defined as a halt sustained or in any way prolonged. The horse may step sideways but if it steps back this is a refusal. A stop followed immediately by a standing jump is not however penalised.
* Remember - Everybody has a bad day sometimes. If your horse just does not want to jump today, after two refusals the judge will ring the bell which means you are eliminated. As a confidence builder you can ask the judge if you may jump another jump before you leave the ring (jump 1 is usually a good one as it is welcoming). Alternatively, ask the Marshall for permission to jump the practice jump again so that you finish on a good note. Don’t get angry with yourself or your horse but learn from your experience – everyone will be sympathetic because we have all been there at some point in our careers.

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