From previous page
position of each judge, ie that they are
sitting close to that particular letter that
marks a spot around the dressage arena.
Phase 2. Cross Country (Saturday)
The Cross Country Test is the most
physically demanding and exciting phase
of the competition. There are about 45
“Jumping Efforts” on the course. Penalty
marks are added at the rate of 0.4 for
every second exceeding the optimum
time which is deliberately difficult to
achieve. A time limit of twice the
optimum time is also imposed.
Exceeding this time limit carries
automatic elimination. Penalty points
accrued during the cross country test are
designed to have the greatest influence
on the overall competition. It must be
completed at an average speed of 570
metres per minute as laid down in the
Rules. This calculated with the length of
the course provides the optimum time.
Penalty marks are added for each second
over the optimum time.
SUNDAY 27
Monaco Grand Prix
THURSDAY 10 – SUNDAY 13
Players Championship, Sawgrass, Florida
Phase 3: Jumping Test (Sunday)
After the physical demands of cross
country day, horses and riders must then
demonstrate speed, accuracy and agility
in the jumping test by completing a
course of show jumps up to 1.30m high
and as wide as 2.30m. This requires both
horse and rider to be extremely fit and
calm. Many events are won and lost on
the final day when the pressure is on in
front of the 16,000 or so spectators
filling the arena. Further penalties can be
picked up for knocking down the
delicately balanced fences or not
completing within the optimum time.
THURSDAY 24 – SUNDAY 27
PGA Championship, Wentworth
THURSDAY 31 – SUNDAY 3 JUNE
US Women’s Open, Shoal Creek
Alabama
SUNDAY 27
British World Superbikes, Donnington
SUNDAY 13 SUNDAY 27 – SUNDAY 10 JUNE
Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona French Open, Paris
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