| Jumper courses are very demanding, calling for | | | | are added if the allowed time limit for the course is |
| technical accuracy on the part of the rider and | | | | exceeded. Riders near the end of the starting order |
| absolute obedience from the horse. Connecting with | | | | have the advantage of seeing how the first riders |
| the horse from the hind legs, through the back to | | | | complete the course. |
| the bit will prevent most of resistance problems that | | | | Classes are broken into a variety of sub-groupings. |
| horses have with jumping. As the riders head toward | | | | Amateur owner jumpers must be ridden by amateur |
| the jump, they focus on the rhythm of your horse's | | | | owners only. Adult amateur jumpers must be ridden |
| strides. | | | | by amateur rider, but do not have to actually own |
| Elements of successful show jumping include riding | | | | the horse. While Junior jumpers must be ridden by |
| lines, related distances, bending lines, and jumping off | | | | riders under the age of 18. Schooling jumpers may be |
| of turns. Competitors in jumper classes are judged on | | | | ridden by anyone. |
| number of faults caused by knocking down or | | | | In the jumper show ring, style does not count; |
| refusing to jump obstacles and on speed. A typical | | | | jumper classes are purely athletic tests of speed and |
| jumper course is 8-12 fences consisting of natural as | | | | strength. Competitors in jumper classes are judged |
| well as brightly colored jumps. Most jumper classes | | | | on number of faults caused by knocking down or |
| consist of a first round (or two rounds) followed by | | | | refusing to jump obstacles and on speed. In addition |
| a jump-off among all riders with clear first rounds. A | | | | to the faster speed of jumper class competition, |
| jump-off course has fewer fences than the jumper | | | | courses in jumper classes are also composed of |
| class. | | | | more varied obstacles. |
| Penalty points are assessed if the horse refuses a | | | | The dynamics and beauty of horse and rider soaring |
| jump, or brings down the highest element of an | | | | over fences makes jumping a thrilling sight. |
| obstacle. Additionally in the jumper ring penalty points | | | | |