We’ve come back from the first Show Jumping show of the season for us at the NEC. Two years ago this was one of the first shows we ever went to. Standing at the gate we remembered how we would look at each class and try to work out what type of course it was. “Is this ‘2 phase’ or ‘Instant Jump Off’?”. And try to remember the rules for each. We heard the same questions this weekend, so here’s our version of the common types of classes, explained in plain English.
A1
The course designer has set a time to complete the course in. All combinations who compete within the time and with no rails down and no other faults end on 0 faults and are placed equally. All of these riders share the prize money. Some A1 classes have a jump off which are run on the same basis. The strategy for this type of class is to go clear and within the time. Provided you are within the time set by the designer it doesn’t matter how fast, or slow, your time is.
A2
Time does matter in this type of class. The designer has set a time, and if you’re over this you’ll get time faults. You’ll also get faults for any and stops. Because this is a class against the clock the fastest clear rider will win. It’s not uncommon for the rider who completed the course fastest to take a rail or more. If they do, they’ll be placed behind all of the other riders who leave the rails up and get no other faults for stops etc. Strategy for this class is to go clear, but save time where you can. This doesn’t necessarily mean being the fastest moving horse. If you can turn and take a shorter line you can do well.
2 Phase
There are two parts to this class. The first phase has a time set. If you complete the first phase within this time and have no faults, you go straight on to the second phase. If you have faults in the first phase (rails, stops or over the time) the judges will ring the bell and your round has finished. The second phase is where the results are decided. The fastest clear time in the second phase wins. You still have to go clear, but be prepared to pick up the pace for the second phase, or ride tighter lines.
IJO (instant jump off)
Like a 2 phase class, this round is split into two halves. Those who are clear and within the time for the first half can do the jump off. In an IJO class you’ll finish the first half. If you’re clear and within the time the judges will ring the bell which is for you to start the Jump Off part of the round. The fastest clear round will be the winner. Anyone with faults is placed after the clear riders.
Table C (sometimes called a speed class)
This class is scored by taking your time to complete the course and then adding seconds for the faults that you had. Each rail adds 4 seconds. If you stop and have to represent at a jump no faults are added, you’ve already taken time to re-present so this is penalty enough!
Of course, it is always worth having a copy of the rules to hand. Head to ESNZ’s website at https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/esnz/rules-regulations/jumping-rules/ and get a full copy of the ESNZ jumping rulebook to have on your phone.