What is Table C in show jumping?
I · Intermediate · The competition · 5 of 6A way of scoring speed classes. There are no penalty points. Each obstacle knocked down adds four seconds to the rider's time outdoors or three seconds indoors. The lowest total time wins. A first refusal adds nothing except the time it wastes. Table A is the ordinary system of penalty points.
How it works
- Two tables: every competition "must be subject to either Table A or Table C scoring".
- Table C: faults are "penalised in seconds that are added to the time taken".
- A knock-down or water fault: four seconds outdoors and three seconds indoors.
- Three seconds outdoors too: in the second phase of a two-phase competition and in any Table C jump-off.
- A first disobedience: no added seconds. Six seconds if an obstacle was knocked down or displaced in it.
- A second disobedience: elimination, as under Table A.
- Also elimination: a fall, an uncorrected deviation from the course and unauthorised assistance.
- No time allowed: only a limit of three minutes for a course of 600 metres or more, and two minutes for a shorter one.
- Table A against the clock: penalties first, and time splits riders who are level.
- Table A not against the clock: penalties only, with a time allowed.
- Grand Prix: always Table A, with a time allowed.
The glossary has the Table C entry, the Table A and Table C entry, the knock-down, the time allowed and the jump-off.
Tricky cases
A rider finishes in 60 seconds with two fences down outdoors. What is the score?
68 seconds. Four seconds are added for each obstacle knocked down.
Under Table C, is a clear round in 70 seconds better than a 62-second round with one fence down outdoors?
No. The second totals 66 seconds, which beats 70.
Does a refusal cost four seconds under Table C?
No. A first disobedience adds nothing by itself. The rider loses the time taken to come round again.
Is the Olympic individual final a speed class?
No, by the general rule that Grand Prix competitions are judged under Table A. The Games' own format is in regulations that were not read.
Why the rule exists
Under Table A no amount of speed makes up for a rail. Table C puts a price in seconds on a rail, so a rider may judge that a risky line that saves five seconds is worth the chance of a fence down. It makes a different kind of class, about speed and handiness, and it keeps the big classes about jumping clean.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Table A | Four penalties a fence, one a second over the time | FEI Jumping 217.1 |
| Table C outdoors | Four seconds a fence | FEI Jumping 217.2.1 |
| Table C indoors | Three seconds a fence | FEI Jumping 217.2.1 |
| First round of a championship | Times are converted into penalties by a formula | FEI Jumping 286.3 |
From the rule book
Fédération Équestre Internationale, Jumping Rules, 28th edition (effective 1 January 2026), articles 216, 217, 219.1 and 220. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: FEI Jumping Rules 2026 (PDF).