Understanding show jumping
Show jumping, or jumping, is an equestrian discipline that involves jumping obstacles of different profiles without penalty within a set time limit.
THE TESTS
Time trials
Riders must complete the course as quickly as possible, without dropping any obstacles. Ranking is based on jumping faults and final time.
The tests with a jump-off
After an initial time trial, riders with a clear round are separated by a jump-off. A shortened version of the first course.
The 2-phase tests
Competitors start the course without a stopwatch, but within a time limit. The rest of the course is against the clock, and riders are separated by obstacle faults and the stopwatch.
OBSTACLES
| THE VERTICAL | THE OXER |
| The vertical obstacle, also called straight, is the simplest type of obstacle. The elements are placed vertically on the same plane. The height of the elements defines the level of difficulty. Elements are generally cylindrical bars, but can also be hoists (flat bars), barriers, walls, hurdles, etc. | The oxer is a wide obstacle made up of two planes arranged one behind the other, making the jump longer and deeper, and therefore more technical for the rider. The space between the two planes varies according to the difficulty of the event, and can be greater than the height of the bars of each obstacle. It can be either vertical or at the same height. |
| THE SPA | THE RIVER |
| The spa is one of the "volée" obstacles, i.e. built with a minimum of three consecutive obstacle levels at different bar heights. The three successive bars get higher and higher, which technically requires you to anticipate the height of the last obstacle right from the start of the jump. |
The river, or bidet, is an obstacle made up of a body of water a body of water in front of which is an obstacle. The horse has to jump and land on the other side of the water, as if jumping across the riverbed. The river is all water, and can be up to 4m wide! |
PENALTIES
Upside-down bar - 4 points per obstacle.
The horse knocks one or more bars off the obstacle.
Refusal or disobedience - 4 points.
The horse stops in front of the obstacle without clearing it.
After 2 refusals, the rider is eliminated.
Time exceeded - 1 point for each additional second.
When time runs out.
