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What is Show Jumping ?
Show jumping is easy to understand. The challenge is simple and straightforward; jump a course of approximately 15 obstacles up to five feet in height and six feet in width with no penalties. Penalties or faults are incurred if a horse knocks down, refuses to jump or falls at an obstacle or jump. Each course has a "time allowed." In addition to jumping faults, penalties can also accumulate if riders fail to complete the course at a certain speed or "within the time allowed." Riders and horses must negotiate the course at the correct angle, height, and speed to clear the fences without incurring faults. Riders must also be mindful of the ever-ticking clock. The rider who races too fast may grow careless and knock down a fence; an overly cautious rider may incur time faults. The starting order of lineup is determined by a draw before the event so that each rider has an equal chance of attaining a favorable position. Riders near the end of the starting order have the advantage of seeing how the first riders complete the course.

Walking the Course
Riders preview the course by walking it on foot prior to the beginning of the competition. This is the only chance the rider has to study the course "up close and personal." Each rider knows the length of his horse's stride, and walks the course accordingly, pacing off the distance between fences and determining how best to adjust the horse's strides. Riders also take note of the different types of fences offered, their relationship to one another, the footing and any other potential problem areas. They also try to find where a tighter line can save vital time when jumping against the clock.

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