Jumping rules rules, for watching
Start with how a match works. Then the rules you see every few minutes, then the ones that change results.
Settling an argument? Search all 14 rules
- How does show jumping work, and how is it scored?
- What counts as knocking a fence down in show jumping?
- What happens when a horse refuses a fence?
- How do time penalties work in show jumping?
- What do the bell and the red and white flags mean in show jumping?
- What happens if a rider jumps the wrong fence or misses one out?
- What happens if a rider or horse falls in show jumping?
- What gets a rider eliminated in show jumping?
- What kinds of fences are there in show jumping, and how big can they be?
- How is the water jump judged in show jumping?
- What is a jump-off in show jumping?
- What is Table C in show jumping?
- How does team show jumping work?
- What must show jumpers wear, and what help are they allowed in the arena?
Where these rules come from
| Tag | Document |
|---|---|
| FEI Jumping plus article number | Fédération Équestre Internationale, Jumping Rules, 28th edition, effective 1 January 2026. Read for this set: articles 206, 207, 216 to 220, 226, 232 to 237, 241, 244 to 258, 263, 285 and the opening of 286 |
| R | "Why the rule exists", or a point reasoned from the rule, not stated in it |
| C | Common usage or general knowledge, not a rule |
All checked on 14 October 2026.
Not covered: the other competition formats (two rounds, two phases, winning round, Derby, accumulator, power and skill, articles 221 to 225 and 227 to 231); closed combinations, banks and alternative obstacles (238 to 240); warm-up and training arenas (242, 243); officials (208 to 215); warnings, fines, disqualification and abuse of horses (259 to 262, 264 to 266); entries, starting order and championships in detail (269 to 289); the annexes, including Annex VIII (tack) and Annex V (speeds); the Olympic format, which is in the Regulations for the Equestrian Events at the Olympic Games; the General Regulations and Veterinary Regulations.
Not covered: the other competition formats (two rounds, two phases, winning round, Derby, accumulator, power and skill, articles 221 to 225 and 227 to 231); closed combinations, banks and alternative obstacles (238 to 240); warm-up and training arenas (242, 243); officials (208 to 215); warnings, fines, disqualification and abuse of horses (259 to 262, 264 to 266); entries, starting order and championships in detail (269 to 289); the annexes, including Annex VIII (tack) and Annex V (speeds); the Olympic format, which is in the Regulations for the Equestrian Events at the Olympic Games; the General Regulations and Veterinary Regulations.