Fall on course

[heidi]

I fell off a few strides out, from the trakehner at Goulburn on the weekend. It was an awkward jump that unbalanced me and although I hung on for a few strides I couldn't right myself and was eventually bounced off.

I assumed I was eliminated but on reflection I wonder if I was. Is this right? Technically, I didn't fall at the jump but after. The wording says "fall of a rider at an obstacle ......."

Could someone please clarify this for me for future refence? (although I don't plan on making a habit of it). It just meant that I could of finished the course (after catching the stupid horse who thoughtfully nicked off...........lots of time penalities.............).

[carly]

At an obstacle to me means the approach, the jump itself and the departure. If you were unbalanced because of the jump and fell as you described then yes you would be eliminated. The ruling is written in that way so if you fall between fences say your horse slips over then you fall you can get back on as long as its not related to an obstacle.
Vicki if im wrong correct me!

[flicker]

Carly is right - a fall "at an obstacle" is really a fall "related to an obstacle". So if you fall off because your horse spooked at a jump or because you're unseated over the jump and unable to get back in the saddle, that's a "fall at an obstacle". If you fall off because your horse spooks at the bushes or slips around a corner, that's different.

[heidi]

That makes sense. Thanks guys!!

[vicki]

You are correct...the first fall that is jump related is now elimination.

A fall 'on the flat' not related with a jump is not elimination.