Errors While Riding a Test in a Show

If a rider makes an “error” during the test, penalty points may be applied. If there are too many errors, the rider is eliminated.

5. USEF Rule DR122.5 Errors:

a. When a competitor makes an “error of the course” or error of test/execution (takes the wrong turn, omits a movement, etc.) the President of the Jury [judge or head judge] warns them by sounding the bell. The President shows the competitor, if necessary, the point at which they must take up the test again and the next movement to be executed, then leaves the competitor to continue by themselves. However, in some cases when, although the competitor makes an “error of the course” or error of test/execution, the sounding of the bell would unnecessarily impede the fluency of the performance for instance if the competitor makes a transition from medium trot to collected walk at V instead of at K or cantering up the center line from A makes a pirouette at D instead of at L it is up to the President to decide whether to sound the bell or not. However, if the bell is not sounded at an error of course, or error of test/execution in which the movement, or a requirement of the movement, is repeated and the error occurs again, only one error is recorded. If a rider performs in a rising trot when a sitting trot is required, or vice versa, the bell must be sounded and the rider warned that this is an error that accumulates if repeated, leading to elimination at the third occurrence. Exception: The bell is not sounded for errors in Freestyles.

b. In National tests, every “error of the course” or error of test/execution, whether the bell is sounded or not, must be penalized, except as noted above:

  • 1. the first time by 2 points;
  • 2. the second time by 4 points [for a total of 6 points deducted];
  • 3. the third time the competitor is eliminated. However, at the discretion of the judge, the rider may continue to finish the test. If the competitor’s continued presence in the ring is about to interfere with the start of the next scheduled ride, then the judge must excuse them from the ring.

c. In FEI tests (except those listed under “c.3” and “d” below), every “error of the course” or error of test/execution whether the bell is sounded or not, must be penalized, except as noted above:

  • 1. the first time by 2 percentage points from the total score received;
  • 2. the second time by elimination; However, at the discretion of the judge, the rider may continue to finish the test. If the competitor’s continued presence in the ring is about to interfere with the start of the next scheduled ride, then the judge must excuse them from the ring;

See the rule for additional errors.

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