A rider's horse breaks gait at the walk for two strides; which of the following is the correct point penalty?

When a horse breaks gait at the walk for two strides, it incurs a penalty as it demonstrates that the horse is not maintaining the required pace or rhythm set forth for the event. The established rules for gait penalties specify that a break in gait at the walk for a short duration, such as two strides, typically results in a three-point penalty. This serves to emphasize the importance of maintaining the correct gait throughout the performance, as consistent pacing is crucial in equestrian events.

Using a point-based system helps judge the performance more effectively by quantifying minor errors, reinforcing the need for discipline in maintaining the proper gait. In this instance, the penalty reflects that while the horse made an error, it was not a severe enough infraction to warrant a higher deduction. Thus, three points is the appropriate penalty for this specific situation.