How does show jumping work, and how is it scored?

• Two scoring tables: every competition is scored under Table A or Table C. Table A, with penalties, is the usual one.
• Knock-down: four penalties.
• First disobedience: four penalties. A refusal, a run-out, a resistance or a circle.
• Water jump fault: four penalties.
• Time: "One Penalty for each second commenced" over the time allowed.
• Elimination: for a fall of horse or rider, a second disobedience, exceeding the time limit, an uncorrected deviation from the course or unauthorised assistance.
• The score: "Adding the Penalties for Faults gives the score".
• The course: obstacles numbered in the order in which they must be jumped, shown on a plan posted before the competition.
• Ties: broken by a jump-off or by time, as the competition's schedule says.
• What is tested: in normal and Grand Prix competitions "performance over obstacles is the principal factor, although speed may be introduced in a jump-off".

The glossary has show jumping, the obstacle, the fault, the clear round, the penalty points entry and the Table A and Table C entry.

The poles rest in shallow cups and fall when touched hard, so the scoring is objective: a rail is down or it is not. Round numbers that anyone can count from the stands, with time as the tie-breaker, are what make jumping the easiest equestrian sport to follow.