The riding event (equestrian show jumping) included in the modern pentathlon competition involves jumping over hurdles of a maximum height of 1.20m.

The hurdles course has a length of 350 to 450m length, and includes 12 hurdles (15 jumps) with one double and one triple jump.

Athletes compete with horses provided by the organisers, which are selected through a random draw 20 minutes prior to the commencement of the event.

For warm-up and preparation purposes, athletes are allowed to ride their allocated horse for 20 minutes and to have up to five trial jumps in the auxiliary exercise area provided for the purpose.

The athlete has a specific time limit within which to compete the course, according to its length.

A time limit is set for the course, equating to one minutes for every 350m in length.

A fault free ride within "the standard time" ( 1 min - 1.17 min) is worth 1200 points.

For each mistake the rider loose points:

Every knock down gives 28 points deduction.

Every refusal or disobedience to jump gives 40 points. But any disobedience leading to the knocking down of an obstacle gives 60 points deduction. After two refusals to jump the rider must try to jump the next obstacle. For every not jumped obstacle the athlete loose 80 points.

A fall of the rider from the horse or both fall gives 40 points. After two falls the riding will be terminated and the rider will have a further 300 points deduction.

Every second above the standard time gives 4 points in deduction. The maximum time is the standard time + 60 s. If the ride is slower than the maximum time the riding is terminated and the rider gives minus 240 points and also a deduction of 80 points for each obstacle he didn't jump.

Competitors can walk the course before riding begins.

Riders must stay between the flags marking the course and must jump the obstacles in order.

Riders must wear protective headgear and a riding jacket and can use a whip and spurs, but hoods and blinkers are prohibited.