Read About Horse Show Jumping

Faults in Horse Show Jumping will disqualify a horse if they are above four in number for a particular event. Here's everything you need to know about this competition.

Faults in Horse Show Jumping - Facts

1. Type of Competition:

   Horse show jumping is an equestrian event in which horses are judged for their ability to jump over obstacles. Obstacles are arranged in different forms such as vertical, spread over a distance, double or triple beams, etc. Both the horse and well as its rider must be dexterous enough to cover the jump. However, there are several faults defined by the United States Equestrian Foundation (USEF) and the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), which may discredit and even disqualify the horses.

2. Location:

   Many show jumping events are conducted all over the world.

3. History:

   Horse show jumping as an equestrian event originated in France, but it did not gain popularity there as the riders had to perform their stunts all over the countryside. This was modified by England, when they introduced 'lepping', i.e. horse show jumping within closed fences that could contain spectators. In 1907, at Olympia in England, the first major show jumping event was conducted.

4. Sanctioned:

   The bodies that sanction show jumping events are United States Equestrian Foundation (USEF) and the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) in America. The prominent sanctioning body in England is the British Show Jumping Association (BSJA). The rules of faults in show jumping, as they are currently, are laid down by the FEI.

5. Entrance Procedure:

   Show jumping events require the horse to have a record over the past year. If not a blue ribbon in some of the previous year's events, the horse must be shown a few times. Sometimes, equestrian foundations recommend some horse riders and they can get to participate.

6. Classes:

   Show jumping is an event that is included in the hunter/jumper class of horse shows. In most horse shows, this event becomes the most prominent show event.

7. Judging:

   According to the rules laid down by the FEI, a horse can be pardoned a total number of four faults in a single show jumping event. If there are more than four faults, then the horse is disqualified from the race. The following incidents add a fault to the horse's performance:-
   1. If the horse ticks or knocks down a beam from a double or triple hurdle, then it is given a fault.
   2. If the horse disobeys the rider and refuses to maneuver the jump, then that is counted as a fault.
   3. The jumping course must be covered within a particular time limit. If a horse takes more time, then each extra second taken is taken as 25% of a fault. That means, four extra seconds will become one fault.

8. Awards:

   The best award is given to the horse that covers all fences within the minimum time. If no horse is able to clear all fences correctly, then the best show jumper is decided on the basis of least number of faults attained.