From missed bells to tack troubles, Equestrian Life catches up with an FEI judge on the most common mistakes that catch you out in the showjumping ring, and how to avoid them to stay penalty-free.

By Charlene Carroll

Whether you’re riding your first clear round or chasing the clock in a jump-off, the showjumping ring has an uncanny ability to expose gaps in your preparation. For riders, a single mistake can mean costly penalties or even elimination. Showjumping may look straightforward from the sidelines: clear the fences, keep the poles up, and stay inside the time allowed. But in reality, success depends on a much deeper understanding of the rules, meticulous attention to detail, and thorough preparation.

For FEI Level 3 judge Judith Bowyer, who has spent countless hours watching rounds unfold across South Africa, certain errors appear time and again, often from riders who might not even realise they’re breaking the rules. As she points out, “Know your rules! We regularly get riders saying ‘Oh, I didn’t know that was a rule’ and by then it’s too late.”

When small details cost big

Perhaps one of the most frequent (and frustrating) mistakes is failing to wait for the start bell. Eager to get going, some riders cross the start line before the judge has signaled, leading to immediate elimination. Others fail to respect the bell during the round, for example, stopping and knocking a fence, the bell will be rung for the rebuild, and then another for the rider to continue with their round.

Another common pitfall is taking more than 45 seconds to cross the start line after the bell. While it sounds like ample time, in the heat of competition, especially when nerves are high, riders can easily lose track. Equally costly is jumping the wrong course or omitting a fence entirely. These seemingly simple errors usually stem from a lack of course familiarity and can turn an otherwise excellent round into a disappointment.

The importance of knowing your track

Judith emphasises how crucial it is for riders to study the course plan thoroughly. It’s not just about memorising jump numbers but understanding the track’s flow, the time allowed, and the optimum lines. Riders must know precisely where the start and finish lines are and consider the most efficient ways to cross them. “Many riders ride wide tracks or take unnecessary detours,” Judith explains. “This wastes precious seconds and often results in time penalties, even if they jump everything cleanly.”

Knowing the time allowed is particularly vital. Riders sometimes misjudge the speed they need for the height and technicality of the course. Riding too slowly or taking excessive wide turns can rack up costly time faults. Riders must balance rhythm, accuracy, and efficiency, a skill honed only through practice and experience.

Tack and equipment, the unseen danger

One of the less visible but critical areas that can catch riders out is tack and equipment compliance. Before or after a round, a rider may be called over to the steward for checks on boots, spurs, bits, and bridles. Incorrect or illegal tack can lead to warnings or even elimination. For example, standing martingales are prohibited in most categories except for Children on Horses. Pony riders face additional restrictions on spurs and bits. Judith notes that homemade bridle add-ons or “creative” solutions often fall foul of regulations.

The FEI Tack App is a valuable resource for riders and trainers alike. It offers a comprehensive guide to what is and isn’t allowed, something many competitors overlook until a steward flags an issue. Judith strongly encourages riders to consult the app before a show to avoid last-minute surprises.

Horse welfare at the heart

Stewards play a vital role in safeguarding horse welfare, particularly in the warm-up arena. Riders, guided by their trainers, must ensure their warm-up routines are within the rules and in the horse’s best interest. Stewards intervene if they observe practices that compromise welfare, such as excessive or incorrect use of the whip or spurs, or dangerous warm-up jumps, like building fences that are not permitted or approaching them from incorrect directions.

Blood on the horse or visible marks from spurs or whips is another red flag that triggers immediate intervention. It’s a stark reminder that good horsemanship extends far beyond the ring and into every aspect of preparation.

Novice versus experienced mistakes

While novice riders are more often caught out by basic rules and course errors, Judith observes that even seasoned competitors can slip up. Coaches bear a significant responsibility to ensure their riders understand the rules thoroughly, regardless of experience level. “It’s not just about teaching them to jump,” she says. “They need to know what they can and can’t do in the ring and the warm-up, and how to handle unexpected situations.”

An example Judith highlights is when a rider encounters a problem mid-round, such as a broken rein or equipment failure. The correct response is to raise a hand immediately, allowing the judge to stop the clock and assess the situation. Unfortunately, some riders try to resolve it themselves or only report it after the round. By which time it’s too late.

Common misunderstandings and how to avoid them

A recurring issue is riders underestimating how closely they must adhere to the specific type of class rules. For example, differences in A2 versus 2-Phase classes. Riders might adopt the wrong strategy or misunderstand where to accelerate or collect. Preparation here isn’t just about physical fitness or jumping ability; it’s about mental readiness and a full grasp of the competition format.

Another trap is circling through the start after the bell has sounded, which will result in penalties. Riders have also been known to jump a fence after going through the finish, which is strictly forbidden. Judith recalls instances where riders, in the heat of the moment, jumped an extra fence after crossing the finish or missed a jump entirely. Others have performed unnecessary circles, either out of habit or confusion, not realising each circle could incur a penalty. Such errors serve as reminders that strong flatwork and a cool head are as essential as bold jumping.

Building a foundation of knowledge

Ultimately, avoiding these common mistakes comes down to preparation and education. Familiarity with the rules, correct tack, course memorisation, and horse welfare protocols should be ingrained long before entering the warm-up ring. Riders who consistently check and refresh their knowledge, and who work closely with their coaches, place themselves in a far stronger position to stay penalty-free and perform at their best.

Judith’s parting advice is simple but powerful: “Know your rules.” It’s a mantra that applies not only to avoiding penalties but to building a safer, more professional, and ultimately more successful showjumping career.