Show jumping categories and heights in Italy (FISE): how they work

In Italy, show jumping competitions are governed by FISE (the Italian Equestrian Sports Federation) and split into categories identified by obstacle height. Understanding this system helps you read a horse's competitive record.

Categories are defined by height

The category name indicates the maximum obstacle height in centimetres (for the «base course»). According to the FISE national show jumping regulation, the main categories are: B100, B105, B110, C115, C120, C125, C130, C135, C140, C145, C150, C155; lower categories exist for introductory levels and ponies (e.g. LB80, B90) [1]. So a C130 class has obstacles up to 130 cm.

Licences: who can jump what

Access to categories depends on the rider's «riding authorisation» (licence). In short, per the FISE regulation [1]:

• the Brevetto licence allows categories up to a maximum height of 115 cm;
• higher categories require the upper grades (1st grade and 2nd grade).

Young horses have dedicated categories

To protect their development, young horses compete in age-limited categories. Per the FISE regulation [1]:

• 4 years: up to LB80 / B90 / B100;
• 5 years: B100 / B105 / B110;
• 6 years: B110 / C115;
• 7 years: C115 / C120 / C125.

Why it matters in evaluation

Knowing the heights a horse has competed at — and how consistently — is a key indicator of its level. On HorseReport.ai the technical reports gather competition history from the FISE database; meanwhile you can explore the horses or read how to read a pedigree.

Note: FISE regulations are updated periodically; always check the current edition on the official site.