 Held on the third and final day of competition, this phase follows the Third Veterinary Inspection where the fitness and soundness of the horse are evaluated after the rigors of endurance day. In the words of the FEI (International Equestrian Federation), the “test on the third day is not an ordinary show jumping competition. Its sole object is to demonstrate that, on the day after a severe test of endurance, the horses have retained the suppleness, energy and obedience necessary for them to continue in service.” It requires exact, consistent riding to leave the rails up, for competitions have been won and lost on this phase – each rail down means adding another four penalty points to the existing score.
|
