Show jumping: Classes, obstacles and test forms

The classes in show jumping

As in other equestrian disciplines, show jumping competitions at horse shows are divided into classes E to S according to the rules of the FN. In addition to the tests in accordance with the performance test regulations (LPO), there are also competitions that are judged in accordance with the corresponding competition regulations (WBO) - these are generally suitable for beginners and young riders, as the requirements are lower here and no show license is required. The classification into a class is based on the height and number of jumps, among other things. A combination, i.e. a sequence of two or three jumps with a distance of one or two canter jumps between them, is considered to be one obstacle. Deviations of five centimetres in height and up to ten centimetres (minus) or twenty centimetres (plus) in width are permitted. The higher the class, the more demanding the course is in terms of lines and technical requirements. The obstacles can also be visually more challenging for the horses, for example with a particularly airy or massive design. An overview of the classes and heights in show jumping:

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The different obstacles in show jumping

Different types of jumps place different demands and levels of difficulty on horse and rider. Do you want to know what types of obstacles there are in show jumping? An overview of the different obstacles in show jumping:

The Oxer

An oxer is a high long jump and consists of a steep jump, behind which there is another pair of jump stands in which a single pole is inserted at the same or greater height. The horse not only has to jump high, but also far, which is why the optimum distance for the horse to take off is closer to the jump than with a steep jump. An oxer can be up to two meters wide. Planks and bases can also be used for oxers.

The steep jump

The steep jump is a simple high jump and consists of several poles that are placed on top of each other in the jump stands. The degree of difficulty can be increased by adding substructures. A wall is also considered a steep jump - it is often a cliff in the course for horse and rider due to its massive appearance. However, the apparent bricks are not made of stone, but of wood or another material that falls down when the horse touches them. In addition to normal, round poles, planks can also be used for steep jumps. A cross is also one of the steep jumps - here, two poles are each placed in only one support of the jump stand so that the two poles form a cross. The advantage of the cross is that inexperienced riders or horses can easily find the center of the jump. The optimum take-off point for a steep jump is approximately as far away from the obstacle as it is high. For a steep jump of one meter in height, it is therefore about one meter in front of it.

The triple bar

A triple barre is similar to the oxer, but much more demanding. The structure of the triple barre resembles a staircase. It consists of at least three poles rising one on top of the other. The first element is taken as a steep jump, while there is only one pole behind it. This imposing obstacle, which can appear in the course from elementary (L) level upwards, requires a high level of skill and respect from riders.

When overcoming the triple bar, the horse's flight curve moves closer to the obstacle than it might appear at first glance. The horse therefore does not have to jump as far as it first appears. Nevertheless, it is a challenge for the rider to learn how to approach the triple bar correctly in order to get close enough to enable the optimum jump.

The moat

The water ditch can be open or covered in jumping competitions from class A upwards. In the case of an open water ditch, there are no jumping stands or poles above the mini pool filled with water - it is then a pure long jump. A fault is committed here if the horse steps into the ditch or onto a demarcating line behind or in front of it. More common, especially in the lower classes, are overbuilt ditches under an oxer, also known as a liverpool.

Combinations and distances in show jumping

Combinations consist of two or three jumps that are set up at a distance of one to two canter jumps from each other. Combinations usually consist of oxers and steep jumps in any order. A combination always counts as one obstacle, even if it consists of several jumps. If a refusal occurs at one jump of a combination, the entire combination must be repeated. They are compulsory in the course from class A upwards. A distance consists of two or more jumps in a straight or curved line at a distance of more than three canter jumps behind each other. Riding combinations is not as easy as you might think.

Combinations often cause problems not only for amateurs, but also for professionals. The challenge is the rapid sequence of jumps: rideability, elasticity and a good distance are required. Philipp Weishaupt shows you tips and tricks on how to successfully ride combinations in the following video in the ClipMyHorse.TV Academy:

The judging procedures in jumping competitions

The judging procedures in show jumping competitions vary greatly depending on the competition. Which rules apply to which jumping competition? What types of show jumping competitions are there? Here are the answers. The following applies to all types of competition: three refusals, a fall by the horse and/or rider and jumping the wrong course will result in disqualification.

Show jumping competitions

The WBO show jumping competitions are specially designed for young riders. The young riders complete a low course here. Often there are also trotting poles. The taskoften begins witha short dressage section and a demonstration of the relief seat in canter. Unlike performance tests, no riding badge is awarded in competitions. riding badge and the horse does not have to be registered with the FN as a competition horse.

Style jumping

In style jumping - the jumping dressage, so to speak - the aim is to achieve a stylistically good, harmonious round with as few faults as possible. As in dressage, the judges award a score between 0 and 10, assessing the rider's seat and action, the rhythm of the course - which includes not only an appropriate pace but also the correct canter - the lines and the right jump-off point before the obstacle, as well as fairness towards the horse. If a pole falls, 0.5 points are deducted from the final score for each fault. The first refusal is also deducted with 0.5 points, the second refusal with minus one point. The second refusal at the same obstacle even costs two points. Exceeding the permitted time is penalized with a deduction of 0.1 points per second or part thereof.

Error/time jumping

Jumping by faults and time is the most common form. Here, the course must be jumped as quickly and faultlessly as possible. A fallen pole is scored with four penalty points, as is the first refusal. A second refusal is assessed with eight penalty points. Exceeding the permitted time leads to one penalty point for every four seconds or part thereof. Fault/time jumping competitions can be organized with a jump-off. All riders who get through the first round without faults will go through to the jump-off. The jump-off course is shorter than the regular course and time is usually the deciding factor in the end. Incidentally, it is also possible for all rider-horse pairs to reach the jump-off with, for example, four faults. This is the case if there were no clear rounds in the regular course, but several four-fault rides.

Another form is show jumping with a winning round. Unlike the jump-off, it is stipulated here that the best third or quarter of all riders from the first round are awarded one penalty point. A famous and popular jumping competition is the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen with two rounds and a jump-off. You can see how Daniel Deusser masters the difficult course in Aachen in the ClipMyHorse.TV media library:

Time jumping

The time trial is also about completing the obstacles quickly and without mistakes. However, fallen poles are not penalized with penalty points, but are added to the required time in the form of penalty seconds (four seconds per fault, refusals are penalized automatically due to the delay). A mistake at the jump can therefore be made up for by riding fast. Show jumping rider Andreas Kreuzer explains how to master fast rounds in show jumping:

Jumping tests for young horses

In tests for young show jumpers, a score between 0 and 10 is awarded, as in style jumping. However, it is only about the (young) horse. The jumping manner, permeability, rideability, suppleness, overall impression and perspective as well as the potential of the jumping horse are assessed. According to the LPO, the aim is to check whether the young horse or pony is on the right path to a future as a sport horse. Key questions include: Does the horse jump fluently with a yielding back and good leg technique? How does it react to touches and mistakes? Does it jump the obstacles with appropriate effort? So-called "over-jumping", i.e. the horse jumping significantly higher than necessary to clear the obstacle without any faults, is not permitted. Deductions in the score are the same as in style jumping. Young horse jumping competitions are held in classes A to M**. We explain what is important in young horse tests and what judges place particular value on in the video "Fit for the young horse test":

Two-phase jumping competition

In the two-phase jumping competition, the jump-off follows virtually immediately after the course that has just been completed. Judging is based on faults and time. If the first phase is completed without penalties, the rider may continue and the second phase begins with a new time measurement. However, if there is a fault in the first phase, the bell sounds after the first finish line has been crossed and the pair may not ride the second phase.

Jumping competition with increasing requirements

A show jumping competition with increasing requirements starts with jumps of a class below the advertised level and ends with jumps above the advertised level. This means: If such a competition is advertised as an L level, the first obstacles are at A** level and the last at M* level. The judging procedure is based on faults and time.

Point jumping

The aim of point jumping is to collect as many points as possible. The first obstacle is worth one point, the second two, the third three - depending on the class, there are up to ten obstacles. However, points are only awarded for clearing the jump. A mistake on the first jump is therefore less decisive than one on the last jump. A special form of point jumping is point jumping with a joker. Here there is an alternative on the last jump: the slightly higher and more difficult joker. It counts double if it is successfully jumped - but if there is a knockdown, the points for the joker are deducted from the remaining points. There are - exceptionally - no combinations in points jumping.

Team jumping

Team jumping follows the rules of fault/time jumping, with the difference that three to four riders form a team whose results are added together. If there are four riders, the worst result is dropped from the classification (scratch result). Team show jumping can also take place at a combined level, so that, for example, one rider in a team has to compete on an A-level course, one on an L-level course and one on an M-level course.

Jump in thickness

In power jumping, or SB jumping, it is all about which horse jumps the highest. There is no timekeeping. In the normal round, the course consists of four to six obstacles, the last of which is a high wall of around 1.70 meters. The wall is not solid, but consists of movable parts. In the first jump-off, the course is then shortened to a normal jump and the wall, which is up to 20 centimeters higher. If several participants are still penalty-free, there is a second jump-off with further raised jumps. If there is still more than one pair without faults, a third jump-off takes place. After this jump-off, the judges and riders can decide whether they want to end the competition in the event of a tie or whether a fourth jump-off should take place. In the event of a finish, there will be several winners of the competition. More than four jump-offs are not permitted.

Barrier jumping

Barrier jumping is similar to power jumping. Here, however, there is no wall to jump, but a series of six steep jumps, which can either be the same height or increasing in height. The jumps can be arranged as a single row of six jumps, as two rows of once two and once four, or as two rows of twice three jumps. There are also several jump-offs. From the second jump-off onwards, the course is shortened again.

Derby jumping competition

A special form of show jumping is the derby test. In addition to the usual jumps, elements from cross-country jumping are also used. These can be ditches, ramparts and dips. The jumps themselves are built to look natural, such as the birch trunk oxer. The course is generally longer than a normal show jumping course and is always ridden on grass. The course is usually scored according to faults and time. A well-known derby is the German Show Jumping and Dressage Derby Hamburg.

FAQ Show jumping: Tips and interesting facts

What obstacles are there in show jumping?

• Oxer: A wide jump with two vertical elements.
• ‍Slope jump: A single vertical obstacle‍
• Triple bar: A three-part bar that rises towards the back.‍
• Wall: An obstacle that looks like a wall.‍
• Moat: An obstacle with a wide water surface.‍
• Combination: A series of obstacles at short intervals.‍
• Natural obstacles: Obstacles that are designed like natural obstacles (e.g. tree trunks).

How high is the highest obstacle in show jumping?

In show jumping, especially in the advanced class S****, the obstacles reach heights of between 1.40 and 1.60 meters. Obstacle heights of up to 2.47 meters (world record) can be reached in the powerful jumping.

At what age can I start show jumping?

The age at which you can start show jumping depends on the physical and mental development of the child. As a rule, children can start doing simple jumping exercises on ponies from around the age of 6. However, it is important that they have mastered the basic riding skills and are guided by an experienced trainer.

What do you need for show jumping?

• SaddleA special jumping saddle that allows the rider to ride in a light sitting position while remaining well balanced.
• Bridle: A headpiece, noseband, snaffle, bit and reins
• Gaiters/bandages: Protection for the horse's legs to prevent injuries when jumping.
• Saddle girth: For fastening the saddle to the horse.‍
• Riding helmet: A protective helmet that protects the rider's head from injury.‍
• Breeches: Tight-fitting breeches that offer comfort and freedom of movement.‍
• Riding boots: Special boots that give the rider support in the stirrup and protect the leg.‍
• Safety vest: (Optional) A vest that provides additional protection for the upper body.‍
• Gloves: For a better grip and protection of the hands.
• Obstacles
• Riding arena

How do you learn show jumping?

Learning to ride a horse requires time, commitment and the right guidance from a trainer. Here are some steps that can help you learn to ride:

1. Learning the basics of riding: Before you start show jumping, it is important to have a solid foundation in basic riding skills. This includes sitting correctly in the saddle, correct posture and the basics of giving aids. You can find out how to learn to ride in this article: Learn to ride
2. Experienced trainer: Find an experienced show jumping trainer or a riding school with qualified instructors. An experienced trainer can not only teach you the technical skills, but also promote the safety and confidence required for show jumping.
3. Suitable horse: Work with a horse that is trained for show jumping and already has experience on the course. A well-trained show jumper can help you learn the right movements and build confidence.
4. Progressive training: Start with simple exercises such as jumping small cavaletti or low jumps to improve your balance and coordination. Over time, you can work your way up to more complex exercises and higher jumps.
5. Pay attention to safety: Always wear the correct protective equipment, including a well-fitting helmet. helmet and a safety vest. Safety should always be a top priority, especially when handling horses and jumping over obstacles.
6. Continuous training: Show jumping requires regular training to improve your skills and increase your performance. Be patient and consistent in your training and be prepared to learn from your mistakes.
7. Get feedback: Seek constructive feedback from your trainer and other experienced riders. The feedback can help you to improve your technique and check your progress.
8. Gain competition experience: When you feel ready, you can take part in local or regional show jumping competitions to gain experience on the course and test your skills under competition conditions.

Our professionals in the ClipMyHorse.TV Academy will show you how you can consolidate what you have learned with helpful training videos, tips and exercises for show jumping:

How can you overcome your fear of show jumping?

Fear of show jumping is not uncommon and can often be overcome through a combination of progressive training, mental preparation and confidence in your own ability and the horse. An experienced trainer can help overcome fears and build confidence. Judith Diekmann explains how you can deal with stress and fear in show jumping:

How can you improve a horse's jumping technique?

Improving a horse's jumping technique in show jumping requires targeted training aimed at improving the horse's strength, balance and coordination. This can be achieved through gymnastic exercisesjumping different types of obstacles and fine-tuning the aids.

What role does balance play in show jumping?

Balance is a crucial skill in show jumping, as the rider must be able to maintain balance while the horse jumps over obstacles. Good balance allows the rider to adapt to the horse's movements and feel secure in the saddle. In the following video, Rebecca Golasch & Dirk Bolten explain how you can improve your balance in the saddle and therefore complete the show jumping course with rhythm and balance:

Show jumping is much more than simply overcoming obstacles. It is a discipline thatrequires maximum precision, technique and, above all, adeep trust between rider and horse. The focus is on harmony between man and animal and determines success or failure on the course. The well-being of the horse is of central importance, because only a healthy and well-groomed animal that is in a harmonious partnership with its rider can develop its full performance and potential.