The objective
Jump a course of colored fences in order, within the time allowed, without knocking any down.
Scoring
Most classes use faults: 4 for a knocked-down rail, 4 for a refusal (with elimination after repeated refusals), plus time faults. Ties for a clear round often go to a faster jump-off over a shortened course.
Words to know
Clear round: no faults. Oxer: a wide fence with two sets of rails. Combination: two or three fences in quick succession.
Following the action
Count the rails and check the clock; the fastest clear in the jump-off usually wins.
Sources
- FEI Jumping rules — Fédération Équestre Internationale
- US Equestrian — USEF
By National Horse Co. Editorial Team · Checked against cited sources 2026-10-03. National Horse Co. is not affiliated with the organizations cited.