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Horse trials are the Pony Club equivalent of a One-Day Event. They comprise the three disciplines of Dressage, Show-jumping and Cross-country.
The dressage is generally judged first. The marks are allocated by the judge and then subtracted form the maximum possible mark, so the lower the score , the better.
Showjumping is usually second and here the penalty system is different to a normal show-jumping competition. Knocking a fence carries 5 penalties, while a refusal results in 10 penalty points. The penalties accumulated are then added to the dressage score.
The final phase is the cross-country and here the penalties for a mistake are very high. A refusal adds 20 penalties and a fall 60.
The competitor with the lowest score at the ends wins.
In order to qualify for the All-Ireland Pony Club Horse Trials, a member at Intermediate, Senior or Members level must get two clear rounds over the cross-country course at two qualifying events. Junior members (under 14 on 1st Jan) qualify with a maximum of 20 penalty points.
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