What is the penalty for hitting a cone during a performance?

Hitting a cone during a performance typically results in a three-point penalty. This penalty is standardized in various equestrian competitions, particularly in events such as dressage or obstacle courses where cones are often part of the course layout. The three-point deduction is meant to reflect the importance of precision and accuracy in fulfilling the course requirements, signaling that while the error is notable, it is not as severe as other faults might be. This approach helps maintain a balance in scoring between minor mistakes and more significant errors, ensuring a fair assessment of performance.