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Mar 12, 2021
Rule Refresher: The "11 Penalty" Rule
With the introduction of frangible devices for cross-country fences came the introduction of penalties associated with activating a fence's frangible device. In 2015, the FEI rule regarding frangible devices, which originally gave a rider 21 penalties for activating a frangible device, was changed to 11 penalties. Effective on December 1, 2020, the USEF adopted a similar rule for nationally recognized competitions, also giving riders 11 penalties for activating a frangible device.
Below you will find the rules regarding penalties for activating a frangible device for both the USEF Rules for Eventing, which pertain to national competition for the Modified through Advanced levels, and FEI Eventing Rules, which pertain to all international competition for the CCI* through CCI5*-L levels. Text has been taken directly from the USEF Rules for Eventing and FEI Eventing Rules with emphasis added by the USEA.
USEF Rules for Eventing
EV141 Cross-Country Scoring
FAULTS AT OBSTACLES
a. Disobediences
- First refusal, run-out or circle - 20 penalties
- Second refusal, run-out or circle at the same obstacle - 40 penalties
- Third refusal, run-out or circle at the same obstacle - Elimination
- Third penalized disobedience on the entire course at Preliminary, Intermediate or Advanced - Elimination
- Fourth penalized disobedience on the entire course at Beginner Novice, Novice, Training or Modified - Elimination
- Activating a frangible fence - 11 penalties
FEI Eventing Rules
548 Scoring
548.1 Faults at Obstacles
| Fault | Penalty |
| First refusal, run-out or circle | 20 penalties |
| Second refusal, run-out or circle at the same obstacle | 40 penalties |
| Third refusal, run-out or circle on course | elimination |
| Fall of Athlete or Horse on course | elimination |
| Activating a frangible device where the dimension of the fence is modified | 11 penalties |
| Dangerous Riding | 25 penalties |
| Missing a flag as per art. 549.2 | 15 penalties |
Want to catch up on past rule refreshers? Click here.
Sep 28, 2022
Education
A Veterinarian’s Tips for Maximizing Longevity and Soundness
Regardless of the level at which a horse is competing, its veterinary team is at the forefront of most decisions regarding its career and well-being. Liz Arbittier, VMD, CVA, has been working with equine athletes for over two decades. Graduating from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet) in 2001, she worked in private practice with a focus on sports medicine and pre-purchase exams until joining Penn Vet’s New Bolton Center Field Service team in 2013. Situated in the heart of Area II’s eventing scene, the team provides ambulatory services to the surrounding area, which is home to multiple Olympians.
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US Equestrian Announces the Appointment of David O’Connor to the New Position of Chief of Sport
US Equestrian (USEF) announces the appointment of David O’Connor to the newly created position of Chief of Sport beginning October 3, 2022.
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Area Championships
Ten Horse and Rider Pairs Rise to the Occasion at Area VII Championships
Aspen Farms in Yelm, Washington was host to this year’s USEA Area VII Championships on September 16-18 and put on a spectacular show where 10 horse and rider pairs celebrated victory by being awarded the title of Area VII Champion in their respective divisions. Hear about each pair’s weekend below.
Sep 26, 2022
Competitions
Braitling and Caravaggio II Produce Milestone Win in FEI Comeback at Twin Rivers
A double clear cross-country round propelled Rebecca Braitling and Arnell Sporthorses' 11-year-old British Sport Horse gelding Caravaggio II (Vangelis-S x Courtesan) to their first blue ribbon together in the CCI4*-Short, and Haley Turner and her own 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Shadow Inspector (Tinaranas Inspector x Caragh Roller) continued their run of sub-30 dressage tests to win the CCI3*-Short at the 2022 Twin Rivers Fall International in Paso Robles, California.
