FISE show jumping rules: the complete, reasoned guide

Understanding the rules of show jumping means understanding the sport itself: what wins, what is penalised, who can compete and in which class. This is an independent guide that explains and comments on the rules of show jumping in Italy, always pointing back to the official sources. It does not replace the rulebook — it makes it readable.

In short

• In Italy show jumping is governed by FISE nationally and by the FEI internationally.
• FISE adopts the FEI framework and adds the national specifics: classes and heights, riding licences/authorisations, membership.
• Key rule areas: classes and heights, competition tables and jump-off, penalties, eliminations and disqualifications, time and speed, licences and membership, horse welfare.
• Official texts change by season: always check the regulation in force (links at the bottom).

Who governs what

Show jumping runs on two levels. Internationally, the reference rules are the FEI Jumping Rules. Nationally, FISE governs competitions in Italy: it adopts the FEI framework and defines what is typically Italian — the ladder of classes and heights (the classic B and C), riding authorisations (licences and grades, Book VIII), membership and event conditions.

Why two levels. It lets the national base connect to the world stage: a horse-and-rider pair can develop through the FISE classes and, with the right requirements, move up to FEI international competitions without changing the underlying logic (a clear round, against the clock, with the penalties we know).

The rule areas (and where to dig deeper)

We broke the rulebook into its practical parts. Some are already covered in depth:

• Classes and heights: how classes are organised in Italy and which heights they correspond to.
• Competition formats and jump-off: Table A (timed or not), Table C speed, two-phase classes, jump-off.
• Penalties: knockdowns, disobediences, time penalties — how they add up.
• Licences and riding authorisations: the licence, grades, what you need to compete.

Others we have covered in depth with the same approach (explanation + commentary):

• Time allowed and speed: how the time allowed is calculated and which speeds apply by class.
• Eliminations: disobediences, falls and course errors — what ends your round.
• The course: obstacles, combinations, related distances and the course walk.
• Horse welfare and the use of aids: the ban on brutality, whip and spurs.

Coming next, with the same approach: membership and entries.

How to read a rulebook (without getting lost)

Three practical tips. One: start from the class you compete in — height, table and penalties follow from it. Two: separate what is FEI (the framework, valid everywhere) from what is FISE (the Italian specifics, which change more often). Three: always check the document's entry-into-force date: FISE regulations update by season, and last year's rule may no longer apply.

Official sources

This guide points to the official texts, which remain the only binding reference:

• FISE — Show jumping regulations and calendars: fise.it
• FISE — Book VIII, Riding authorisations (licences): fise.it
• FEI — Jumping Rules: fei.org

Disclaimer. This is an independent, informational guide, unofficial and not affiliated with FISE. For competition, the FISE/FEI regulation in force always prevails. Content verified against the official sources; let us know of any updates.