Show Jumping Rally Rules Summary 

Competition - riders usually jump three rounds at the height for their level.  Ties for first place are broken by jump-offs, where jumps are raised to the max. height and the round is timed.

Qualifying Divisions: maximum jump-off height (Midsouth does not offer a Small/Med Div)

Large Pony (up to 14.2 hands)            3'6"

Horse I - (intro level for horse or rider)   3'6" (no more than two allowed per team)

Horse II, III & IV - higher levels  3'9", 4', and 4'3" (respectively)

Non-Qualifying Divisions: maximum jump-off height:

          Pony A (Small/Medium Pony)    2'3"  (2'6" max)

           Pony B (Large Pony)                2'6"  (2'9" max)

           Horse A                                    2'9"  (3' max)

Faults:

Knockdown (of rail or flag) - 4 faults  (caused by any part of horse, rider or equipment)

First refusal -                         4 faults

Second refusal -                     4 additional faults

Third refusal-                       Elimination

Fall of rider or horse -          Elimination from that round only  

Saddlery -

    Martingale - Running martingale 

            except that standing is allowed for Ponies thru Horse I

    Bits - Any kind allowed.

    Nosebands - dropped, cross (figure 8) or flash; only used with snaffles.

    Whip - 30" (same as Eventing).  No blinkers or hoods.

Eliminations:

    If for riding mistake = rider free to ride in next round.

    If for a violation between classes (failure to report for safety check, a rule violation in schooling area, warming up without a coach) = rider is eliminated from next class.

Disqualification: (from further participation in Rally)

    Rapping a horse (jumping it over a hand-held obstacle)

    Cruelty or poor sportsmanship.

    Not schooling where supposed to, etc. (same idea as Eventing).    

Equitation round - one round only will also be judged on equitation, i.e. your position and pace, so you can earn extra points for a pretty ride.

**Change of tack in the warm-up ring requires permission of either the Paddock Master or the Steward, then re-checked by the safety check person.  Adjustment of bridles & martingales can be checked by the Paddock Master, then the safety check person.

Differences from Eventing Rally:

      Uses faults instead of penalty points (watch for that on jump penalty questions!).

      The TD is called a "Steward"; a "Paddock Master" supervises warm-up.

*Entire USPC Show Jump Rulebook may be downloaded from www.ponyclub.org> Publications> Rulebooks