What is Show Jumping? — Discipline, Rules, Equipment

Updated: May 2026 · Rincón del Valle technical team

Show jumping is one of the three Olympic equestrian disciplines. It consists of completing a course of obstacles in order, without knocking down rails, within the established time.

Origin and evolution

Modern show jumping was born in late 19th-century Europe. Italy (Caprilli) revolutionized the technique with the "forward seat," which allows the horse to jump more naturally.

Levels and heights

Obstacles range from 0.80m in initiation categories to 1.60m in CSI 5* (World Cup, Olympic Games). Courses include verticals, oxers, triple bars, water jumps, walls, and combinations. The RFHE structures competitions by height and rider category.

Penalties

Knocking down a rail = 4 penalties. Refusal to jump = 4 penalties. Rider fall = elimination. Exceeding the time allowed = time penalties.

Rider equipment

VG1 helmet (mandatory), show jacket (navy blue, black, or club color), shirt with stock tie or polo shirt in basic events, white or beige breeches, tall boots, dark gloves, protective vest (mandatory for juniors), spurs optional.

Horse equipment

Jumping saddle (flat seat, short forward-cut flaps, prominent knee rolls), English bridle with noseband, absorbent saddle pad, tendon boots or wraps on front legs, bell boots (pastern protection).

Brand recommendations

For jumping saddles: Stübben, Pikeur, Equipe. Boots: De Niro, Mountain Horse. Boots: Kentucky, Veredus. Helmets: Charles Owen, Samshield.

Related products at Rincón del Valle

• Jumping equipment
• Jumping saddles
• Tendon boots
• Protective vests

Want to know more?

If you have specific questions about this discipline or the equipment you need, write to us at info@rincondv.com or WhatsApp 620 17 64 18. Our team will guide you with no obligation.

Additional resources

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• Detailed comparisons
• Brands we recommend