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| Combined Driving: The Sport |
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| The CDE (Combined Driving Event) is
modeled after the Three Day Event, which tests the overall condition and versatility of
the horse in sport. His Royal Highness Prince Phillip was a major force in the design of
the rules and is today an active participant in the sport. Major competitions are usually
held over three days: day 1) Driven Dressage; day 2)Cross Country Marathon with up to
eight special obstacles or hazards; day 3) Cone Driving Competition which equates to the
show jumping phase of the ridden event (Two-day competitions include each of the phases ,
with Dressage and Obstacle on one day and a modified Marathon on the second day). Penalty
points are incurred in each of the above phases and the winner is the entry who
accumulates the fewest points. Horses and ponies compete separately in these categories:
single - one horse/pony; pairs - two horses/ponies side by side; tandem - two
horses/ponies, one in front of the other; and Teams - four horses/ponies - two pair, one
in front of the other. 
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| Dressage Often compared to compulsory figures in figure
skating, the dressage test consists of a prescribed sequence of movements judged against a
standard of absolute perfection. The test demonstrates the obedience, freedom, regularity
of movement, impulsion, and correct position and training of the animals. Multiple hitches
are judged collectively. |
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| Cross-Country Marathon This phase tests the fitness, stamina and obedience
of the horses and the judgment and capability of the driver. Advanced competitions can
have 5 sections (A, B, C, D, E), which includes mandatory walks, trots, and well as a
section which includes hazards. Other competitions may have 3 sections (A,B, E), all
having a minimum/maximum time allowance. At the end of section B and D there are mandatory
10 minutes halts with veterinary checks to ensure that horses are not unduly stressed and
are fit enough to continue. |
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| Obstacles/Cones Cones can be likened to the stadium jumping phase of
eventing. The object is to drive through narrowly spaced pairs of cones cleanly within
time allowed. Each cone has a ball placed on top, and any miscalculation will dislodge the
ball, thus incurring a penalty. This phase tests the fitness, agility and obedience of the
horse and the accuracy and skill of the driver. |
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| Carriages Vehicles used in Combined Driving must be safe and
well maintained. Each competitor is checked at presentation before the dressage test and
again for safety before the rigors of the marathon. The same vehicle must be used in both
dressage and cones; a second vehicles may be used in the marathon. |
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| Grooms and Navigators A groom/navigator may accompany the driver in the
dressage and cones competitions in the case of a single horse/pony; however a
groom/navigator is mandatory for two or more horses. On the marathon, the groom is a vital
part of the team to help the driver stay on the correct course, to keep track of time, to
hold the map, and to help direct the route through obstacles. In addition the groom is
called on to balance the vehicle by shifting his/her weight around tight turns or on
uneven ground. Grooms may not handle the reins, nor the whip, and may give verbal
assistance only in the marathon. No verbal communication between the drive and the groom
is allowed in the dressage or cones competitions.
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