Style classes in show jumping: when how you ride matters, not just clear rounds

In normal classes the winner is whoever goes clear in the fastest time. In style classes everything changes: a jury assesses how you ride, that is the quality of the partnership, not just the result. Here we explain, with the FISE National Regulation, what they are, what the judge looks at and how the score is built.

In short

• Style classes are judged classes with a training and competitive character, aimed above all at young riders (Arts. 189-190).
• The object of assessment is the rider: position, sensitivity, equestrian tact, effectiveness and elegance, on a suitable and well-schooled horse (Art. 190).
• The jury assesses position, correct use of the aids and harmony of the pair throughout the round (Art. 191).
• The score combines obstacle penalties (Table A, but the first knock-down is worth 2 instead of 4) with style penalties on status, position, aids and course execution (Art. 192).
• The merit-points sheet details the items assessed: status, presentation, position and seat, obstacles, execution (Art. 193).
• This is where the regulation sets out the correct use of the whip and spurs, aids to be used as an encouragement to go forward, never with anger or violence (Art. 191).
• Source: FISE National Show Jumping Regulation (2025 edition).

What they are: classes that judge the quality of the riding

The regulation places them in a dedicated book (Book XI) and presents them as an opportunity for assessment and comparison aimed mainly at young riders, to develop technical skills and respect for the horse (Art. 189). They are judged classes, both training-oriented and competitive, run on a normal show jumping course, where the rider's style and ability are assessed (Art. 190).

The difference from a classic class is clear: here the object of assessment is not the horse nor the clock, but the rider. To show their qualities (position, sensitivity, equestrian tact, technical ability, effectiveness and elegance) the rider must present a suitable horse, carefully schooled both on the flat and over fences (Art. 190). The stated aim is to bring attention back to the basics of riding, without setting aside the competitive element.

What the judge looks at during the round

The technical guidance (Art. 191) describes in detail what is valued and what is penalised. Some recurring themes:

• Position and balance. The rider must canter in a light seat, on the fork, following the horse lightly over the jumps. Using the reins for balance, being heavy in the saddle or not well positioned with the legs leads to a negative assessment.
• Use of the aids. The aids must be clear, consistent and discreet, unobtrusive, used with judgement and without disturbing the horse. Continuous use of heel or spur against the horse's side signals incorrect aids and weighs negatively on the score.
• Harmony of the pair. Togetherness and cooperation must always be evident: changes of direction in balance, a clean track, a horse "on the aids" that jumps freely, without forcing. Tense horses, against the hand or that defend themselves reveal incorrect use of the aids and must be penalised.
• Presentation. A clean horse in condition, classic and understated tack, a jacket, entry at rising trot, halt and salute: the way you present yourself also counts in the judgement.

Whip and spurs: here the regulation is explicit

Style classes are the point where the regulation sets out the correct use of artificial aids. Whip and spurs are defined as aids to be used as an encouragement to go forward, never with anger or violence (Art. 191). The whip should be used to reinforce the action of the legs, without violence, on the horse's side behind the leg; on the shoulder it can be acceptable only occasionally, never repeated or automatic, and must not undermine the harmony of the pair. The voice too is allowed only occasionally, and verbal comments during the round are not permitted.

It is an important passage because it turns into judging criteria that principle of respect for the horse which runs through the whole sport: here the incorrect use of the aids is not only an ethical matter, it costs points. For the full picture on the whip, spurs and horse protection see our page on horse welfare and the use of aids.

How the scoring works

Basic technical sheet (Art. 192). Obstacle penalties follow Table A, with one difference: the first knock-down is worth 2 penalties instead of 4. To these are added penalties for the rider's errors and for the presentation of the pair, spread over four items: horse status and presentation (1 or 2 penalties), position and seat (1 to 4), use of the aids (1 to 4) and course execution (1 to 4). In practice, alongside the classic jumping faults comes a grid that measures the quality of the riding.

Merit-points style sheet (Art. 193). The positive assessment is organised into five areas: status (the horse's overall picture, condition and grooming), presentation (attire, entry at rising trot, halt and salute), position and seat (the fork, upper body, hands, horse-rider togetherness, use of the aids), obstacles (last strides, take-off, the horse's bascule, the ability to assist and follow it, accuracy of the jump) and course execution (quality of the canter, track, cadence, approaches, recovery after the jumps, contact with the mouth).

The commentary. Style classes are a school before they are a competition: they reward those who build the jump with balance and discretion, not those who snatch the clear round at any cost. By shifting the judgement onto the "how" rather than the "how fast", they push young riders to ride well and respect the horse from the start. It is the best way to form solid partnerships, not just fast ones.

Related deep-dives

See also horse welfare and the use of aids. Back to the guide to show jumping rules.

Source and disclaimer

Content verified against the FISE National Show Jumping Regulation (2025 edition), Arts. 189-193 (style classes: preamble, general provisions, guidance, basic technical sheet and merit-points sheet). Verified on 15/09/2026. Independent, informational guide, unofficial and not affiliated with FISE: in competition the regulation in force prevails, and it updates by season.