How is show jumping scored?

Jumping is scored on faults: four faults per rail down, time faults for exceeding the time allowed, and elimination for refusals. The rider with the fewest faults, and fastest time in jump-offs, wins.

What fence heights are used in jumper competitions?

Heights range from 2'6" at beginner levels up to 1.60m (5'3") at Grand Prix. FEI international levels include CSI1* through CSI5*, with fence heights increasing at each level.

What breeds are best for show jumping?

Warmbloods (Dutch, Belgian, Hanoverian, Holsteiner) dominate international jumping, but Thoroughbreds, Irish Sport Horses, and various crossbreeds also excel at all levels.

Jumper Competitions

Show jumping tests horse-and-rider partnerships over courses of colorful fences against the clock.

About Jumper

Show jumping tests horse-and-rider partnerships over courses of colorful fences against the clock. Clear rounds, no rails down, no refusals, advance to jump-offs where speed determines the winner. Jumper competitions range from local schooling shows to FEI Grand Prix events.

Jumper classes are divided into speed and power categories, from Puddle Jumpers at 2'6" to Grand Prix at 1.60m. Table II (jump-off) classes are the most common format: all clear first rounds advance to a shortened, timed jump-off. Course designers create technical tracks with related distances, combinations, and rollback turns that test a horse's scope, carefulness, and rideability. Major U.S. venues include Spruce Meadows, WEF, and the Hampton Classic.

Governing bodies: USEF, FEI, USHJA

Related: hunter, eventing, equitation

FAQ: 3 common questions answered

Jumper riders can find jumping saddles on TurnoutHQ, or make use of rider apparel and safety kit.

Jumper News & Insights

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Competition

Aug 28, 2026

US Equestrian Opens 2025 Competition Calendar with Enhanced Search Tools

USEF has launched its comprehensive 2025 competition schedule, featuring new search filters for prize money levels and NAYC qualifiers to help riders plan their upcoming season.

Welfare

Aug 25, 2026

Breaking Down the Bill: Where Your $15 USEF Drugs and Medications Fee Actually Goes

US Equestrian has released a financial breakdown of its $5.77 million Drugs and Medications program, revealing that laboratory costs and field collection teams account for the majority of the annual spend.

Competition

Aug 24, 2026

US Equestrian Refines 2025 Competition Search for Enhanced Rider Planning

US Equestrian has launched an updated, comprehensive competition search tool for the 2025 season, allowing members to filter thousands of events by discipline, prize money, and championship qualifying status.

Industry

Aug 22, 2026

From Show Ring to Silver Screen: How Hollywood Breeds Equine Stars

The selection of movie horses has evolved from simple background props to a sophisticated process prioritizing breed-specific traits, high intelligence, and strict welfare standards overseen by the American Humane Society.

Community

Aug 22, 2026

Beyond the Arena: A Guide to Navigating Collegiate Equestrian Programs

The collegiate equestrian landscape offers diverse pathways through NCAA-level varsity teams, accessible club sports, and professional equine science degrees, requiring students to start recruitment and academic planning as early as their sophomore year of high school.

Competition

Aug 22, 2026

Road to 2026: Showjumping Team Format and Stakes Confirmed for World Championships

The 2026 World Championships will serve as a critical qualifying event for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with team showjumping results determining early entry for top nations.

Industry

Aug 22, 2026

Navigating Collegiate Riding: A Comprehensive Guide to NCEA, IHSA, and Equine Degrees

Collegiate equestrian opportunities have expanded into a diverse ecosystem ranging from NCAA varsity sports to academic equine science degrees, offering students multiple pathways to professional industry careers.

Community

Aug 21, 2026

The Road to 2026: The Deep Roots of Driving at CHIO Aachen

As Aachen prepares to host the 2026 FEI World Championships, the storied history of four-in-hand driving at the venue highlights the discipline's evolution from 1920s carriage displays to a high-stakes international sport.

Federation

Aug 18, 2026

US Equestrian Issues New Safety Guidelines for Extreme Weather and AI Rule Summaries

USEF has introduced standardized protocols for competition managers to handle high heat and poor air quality, while simultaneously warning members that AI-generated summaries of drug and equipment rules are frequently inaccurate.