Show jumping
📘 Show Jumping 101
Show Jumping is an English equestrian discipline in which horse and rider pairs navigate a course filled with fences — including verticals, oxers, triple bars, and water jumps. The goal is to complete the course within the time limit, while avoiding faults like knocking a pole or refusing a jump.
This discipline showcases a horse’s agility, power, and responsiveness, along with the rider’s accuracy and control. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned competitor, show jumping offers fast-paced excitement and tactical riding.
🐎 Breed Regulations & Stats
Speed: 30–35 mph
Jump: 2.99–6.99 ft
Division Eligibility: D4
There are no breed restrictions, but some horses are naturally better suited due to temperament and physical structure.
Favoured Breeds:
Dutch Warmblood
Danish Warmblood
Swedish Warmblood
Belgian Warmblood
Selle Français
Irish Sport Horse
Anglo-Arabian
Thoroughbred (and crosses)
All horses must be:
At least 4 years old
In good health, injury-free
A healthy weight
Registered and well-trained
Athletic, obedient, and confident under pressure
🧑⚖️ Judging
Show Jumping is judged using a penalty + time system. Riders are timed from the moment they cross the start markers until they cross the finish. Judges will monitor for faults and note the exact time taken.
Courses may be judged in one of two formats:
Speed Class – Fastest clear round wins
Fault & Time Class – Faults are prioritized, then time breaks ties
Jump-Off – If multiple riders have a faultless round, a shorter timed course is used to determine the winner
⚠️ Penalties
Knocked pole (per jump)
+4 faults
First refusal
+4 faults
Second refusal at same jump
Elimination
Exceeding the time allowed
+1 fault per second
Wrong course / jump missed
Elimination
Fall of horse or rider
Elimination
All penalties must be recorded and factored into final placements.
❌ Disqualifications
Immediate elimination occurs for:
Second refusal at same fence
Fall of rider or horse
Jumping obstacles out of order
Skipping a jump
Riding off-course
Unsafe riding or tack violations
Ignoring judge instructions
📊 Scoring
Show Jumping scores are calculated by adding jump faults and time faults. The lowest total wins. In case of a tie (e.g., both riders on 0 faults), the rider with the faster time or better jump-off round wins.
Scoring Example:
Hon
0
54.2
1st
Emmy
4
49.8
2nd
Bella
4
55.1
3rd
🧱 Course Building
Arena Size:
Minimum: 40×55 blocks (up to 7 jumps)
Maximum: 100×80 blocks (up to 24 jumps)
Requirements:
All jumps must be at least 3 blocks from arena boundaries
There must be at least 7 blocks between each jump
Jumps must be clearly numbered using banners, signs, or heads
Types of Jumps Allowed:
Verticals: Single fence with poles
Oxer: Two verticals spread apart
Triple Bar: Three ascending fences
Water Jump: Wide obstacle with water design or texture
Combinations: Two or more jumps in a row, marked A–B–C
Rollback Turns & Tight Corners: Optional for jump-offs
🎁 Prize Pot & Entry Fees
Local Class
$25
$1,000
Top 3
Regional Show
$100
$5,000
Top 5
Championship Cup
$200
$10,000
Top 8
🚫 Real money transactions are strictly prohibited. Any attempt will result in a permanent IP ban for the host.
🎽 Attire
Rider Dress Code:
Helmet (black, navy, or conservative color)
Show jacket (dark, fitted, formal)
White or pastel show shirt with tie or stock
Breeches (white, beige, grey, fawn, pale yellow)
Tall black, brown, or navy boots
Gloves optional
Body protector, spurs, and whip optional
Horse Turnout:
English jumping saddle
Girth
Martingale (optional)
Bridle with bit
Saddle pad & half pad
Leg protection (boots or wraps)
Ear bonnet (optional)
Horses must be clean and well-groomed.
📢 Hosting Guidelines
✅ Host Requirements:
Must have a Show Jumping license
Must time all rounds and track penalties accurately
May use any registered arena or build one that meets layout rules
Must post event rules, scoring format, and course map in advance
Should have at least one judge, two preferred
Hosting show jumping offers exciting competitive opportunities and can be run as stand-alone events or part of Eventing.
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