During a jumping course, what is the primary goal of the rider?

The primary goal of the rider during a jumping course is to avoid disobedience and penalties. In the context of equestrian competitions, riders aim to complete the course successfully without incurring faults, which can include knocking down fences, refusal to jump, or exceeding the maximum time allowed. Maintaining the horse's obedience and ensuring that it responds appropriately to commands are crucial for a smooth and successful performance.

While finishing quickly is important and can contribute to a rider's overall score or placement, it is secondary to the necessity of completing the round without penalties. Additionally, making the horse work harder or aiming for a specific style does not directly correlate with the primary objective of completing the course successfully. Without addressing the fundamental goal of avoiding penalties and ensuring compliance, a rider cannot achieve a good performance in a jumping event.