A rider is guilty of falling if he or she becomes separated from the horse. A horse is ruled to have fallen if its shoulders and quarters touch the ground. If either the horse or rider falls twice, the athlete is eliminated. If a horse refuses three times to jump over an obstacle rider must move to the next obstacle. Knocking down a flag draws no penalty unless it occurs during an act of disobedience.
Competitors get to see the course on foot before the riding commences.
The riders must stay between flags marking the course. They ride with red flags to their right and white flags to their left and, in a set order, must jump obstacles standing 1.2m to 1.5m high. Riders must wear protective headwear and a riding jacket when competing. Restricted use of a whip and spurs is allowed, but hoods and blinkers are banned.