Combined Driving Cones Split Time Calculator
Calculate gate-by-gate split times based on FEI class speed, walk the course with precision, and print a ready-to-use briefing sheet — all before you step into the arena.
What Is the Cones Phase in FEI Combined Driving?
The cones phase is the third and final phase of FEI Combined Driving. Drivers navigate a course of cone pairs — each pair topped with a removable ball — within the Time Allowed calculated from the course distance and the FEI-mandated class speed. Every knocked ball adds penalty points; every second over the Time Allowed adds time penalties. Under current FEI Driving Rules (2026 edition), the cones phase tests the driver's ability to maintain controlled pace and precise steering after two days of competition.
FEI Class Speeds for the Cones Phase
The Time Allowed for each competitor is calculated by dividing the course distance by the prescribed speed for the competition class. FEI class speeds differ between horse and pony classes and between competition levels — the table in the calculator lists the current values so you always use the correct figure for your class.
| Category | Speed (m/min) |
|---|---|
| Single Horse | 250 |
| Pair Horse | 250 |
| Four-in-Hand Horse | 240 |
| Single Pony | 260 |
| Pair Pony | 250 |
| Four-in-Hand Pony | 240 |
Source: FEI Driving Rules 2026 (Art. 975 §10.5, Art. 978 §3) — maximum speeds for CAI3*/championship classes. Lower star levels use reduced speeds (e.g. CAI1* = 230 m/min, CAI2* = 240 m/min for all categories). National events may differ — check your event schedule.
The Course Walk and Split Times
During the course walk, drivers measure the distance to each gate using a measuring wheel. Those cumulative distances, combined with the FEI class speed, define the exact split time target at every gate. Arriving at gate 7 one second late means arriving at gate 14 further behind — pacing from the very first gate is what separates a clean round from accumulated time faults. Easy Cones turns those wheel measurements into a gate-by-gate split time table you can carry into the arena.
How Split Time Calculation Works
Enter the total course distance and select your FEI class (which sets the prescribed speed). Then add each gate with its cumulative distance from the start. Easy Cones divides each cumulative distance by the class speed to produce the target elapsed time at that gate. The result is a clear split time table — one row per gate, with the time you should see on your stopwatch as you pass through.
Penalties in the Cones Phase
Two kinds of penalty decide a cones round. Dislodging a ball from the top of a cone — a knocked ball — adds 3 penalty points under current FEI Driving Rules, and disobediences such as a refusal or circle add further points, with elimination for the third disobedience on course. Time penalties accrue at 0.5 penalty points for every second over the Time Allowed. Because a single knocked ball costs the same as six seconds of pace, most drivers plan to finish just inside the Time Allowed rather than risk a rushed, cone-clipping round. Knowing your split times lets you buy that safety margin deliberately, instead of discovering the deficit at the final gate.
Cones Phase Glossary
Key terms used in the FEI Combined Driving cones phase and throughout Easy Cones.
- Gate
- A pair of cones, each topped with a removable ball, that the carriage must pass through. Gates are numbered in the order they are driven.
- Ball
- The removable ball resting on top of each cone. If it is dislodged as the carriage passes, the gate counts as knocked and penalty points are added.
- Time Allowed
- The maximum time to complete the course without time penalties, found by dividing the course distance by the FEI class speed.
- Split time
- The target elapsed time on your stopwatch when you reach a specific gate — the running total that tells you whether you are on pace.
- Class speed
- The speed in metres per minute prescribed by the FEI for your competition class and level, used to calculate the Time Allowed.
- Measuring wheel
- The distance-measuring wheel walked around the course to record the cumulative distance to each gate during the course walk.
- Course walk
- The pre-competition inspection on foot where the driver measures distances, plans the racing line, and memorises the gate sequence.
- Knocked ball
- A ball dislodged from a cone. Each knocked ball adds 3 penalty points under current FEI Driving Rules.
- Disobedience
- A refusal, run-out, or unplanned circle on course. Disobediences add penalty points, and the third disobedience results in elimination.
- Time penalty
- Points added for exceeding the Time Allowed — 0.5 penalty points for each second over, calculated to hundredths of a second.
Frequently Asked Questions — Cones Phase
What is "Time Allowed" in the cones phase?
The Time Allowed is the maximum time to complete the cones course without incurring time penalties. It is calculated by dividing the course distance by the FEI class speed for your competition class. Drivers who exceed the Time Allowed receive a time penalty of 0.5 penalty points for each second over the Time Allowed, calculated to hundredths of a second (two decimal places), under current FEI Driving Rules.
How do split times help during the cones phase?
A split time is the target elapsed time you should see on your stopwatch at each gate. By knowing the split at every gate before you enter the course, you can feel immediately whether you are ahead of, on, or behind pace — and adjust without guessing. This is especially valuable at longer cones courses where a slow start compounds into a significant time deficit by the final gates.
Which FEI competition classes does Easy Cones cover?
Easy Cones covers all current FEI horse and pony classes — single, pair, and four-in-hand for both horses and ponies — across the standard FEI competition levels. You can also enter a custom speed manually for national or club events that use speeds outside the FEI table.
How many penalty points is a knocked cone in Combined Driving?
Dislodging a ball from a cone adds 3 penalty points under current FEI Driving Rules. Time penalties are separate and accrue at 0.5 penalty points for every second over the Time Allowed, so a single knocked ball is worth roughly six seconds of pace — which is why clean driving usually matters more than shaving seconds.
What speed is used to calculate the cones Time Allowed?
The Time Allowed is the course distance divided by the FEI class speed for your class and level. Championship and CAI3* classes use the highest speeds (for example 250 m/min for single and pair horses), while lower star levels use reduced speeds. Easy Cones fills in the correct figure automatically, and you can override it for national or club events.
Does Easy Cones work offline at the showground?
Yes. Once the page has loaded, Easy Cones runs entirely in your browser and does not need a connection to calculate split times or open a saved session. Your work is stored on the device and autosaves as you go, so patchy showground signal will not lose your course walk data.
Combined Driving Cones Split Time Calculator
Calculate gate-by-gate split times based on FEI class speed, walk the course with precision, and print a ready-to-use briefing sheet — all before you step into the arena.
Competing in the full CAI event? Also prepare for the marathon phase. Open Marathon Calculator →