Show jumping is an equestrian sport where horse and rider combinations navigate a course of knockdown obstacles within a set time. Winners are determined by the fewest penalties—incurred from knocking down rails, refusals, or exceeding the time limit—combined with the fastest time, often culminating in a "jump-off" against the clock
Foot in Water (4 Faults): Incurred if a horse lands with one or more feet in the water jump
Time Faults: For every second (or fraction of a second) over the Time Allowed, 1 fault is added. Note that in some international jump-offs, every commenced second over time is penalized.
First Refusal (4 Faults): Occurs if a horse stops before a jump or runs out to the side. The rider must re-attempt the jump
Knockdown (4 Faults): Incurred if a horse hits an obstacle and dislodges any part that lowers its height or width. If multiple rails fall at one jump, it is still only 4 faults
Vertical: A simple fence consisting of poles or planks stacked directly on top of each other with no width
Oxer: A "spread" jump made of two sets of rails to add width.
Parallel (Square) Oxer: Both sets of rails are the same height
Ascending Oxer: The back rail is higher than the front, making it more "inviting" for the horse to clear.
Swedish Oxer: The poles cross to form an "X" shape, so one side is high and the other is low, slanted in opposite directions
Triple Bar: A spread jump with three sets of rails in ascending height
Wall: Made of lightweight "bricks" designed to fall if hit
Liverpool: A vertical or oxer with a small tray of water underneath it.
Open Water: A wide ditch of water with no rails over it, usually marked by a small hedge or lath on the take-off side
Combination: Two or three jumps placed close together (one or two strides apart) that are labeled with the same number (e.g., 4A, 4B, 4C)
Second Disobedience: At most competitive levels (Preliminary, Intermediate, and Advanced), a second disobedience—such as a refusal, run-out, or circle—anywhere on the course results in elimination.
Off-Course: Jumping obstacles in the wrong order, jumping an obstacle not included in the course, or jumping a fence in the wrong direction.
Exceeding the Time Limit: Taking more than twice the "Time Allowed" to complete the course
Failure to Re-attempt: Failing to attempt a jump again after a refusal or run-out