Combined Training - optimum time

[Linda]

The rules for Combined Training are found in the Eventing Rules (s74). To determine the winner in a competition, if there are equal scores, the best dressage score wins (don't you hate that) but "if equality still exists, the closest to optimum time (under the time set) in the jumping test determines the result".

But what is optimum time? Surely not the time allowed (set at 300m/min up to pre-novice level and 350m/mim for higher) as this is much slower than a good SJ speed, which I understand is about 350m/min. I can understand having an allowed time based on a slow speed so that speed doesn't factor into the result so much, but you wouldn't want to use that as optimum as it penalises riders travelling at a sensible pace.

So, does anyone know how optimum time is calculated in CT?

[Sami Shoaib]

300m/min isnt that slow for SJ but if you find that too slow you can always ride a longer line rather than slowing down to get the same time, take wider routes between jumps and dont cut corners.

time allowed is completely different to optimum time tho. time allowed is usually twice the optimum time and you get eliminated if you exceed that time. not sure if its used in SJ tho, but thats the definition for XC.

[Linda]

You are thinking of the time limit, which is twice the time allowed. Optimum time is something else again.