A ground jury consisting of various judges and officials (and qualified according to FEI standards) inspects the course and judges the competition. Horses must be at least nine years old for Olympic competition. A bell is used to communicate with the competitor to signal when they may enter the arena, alert them to halt or continue after an interruption, or to indicate that the rider is eliminated. Red or white flags are used to mark obstacles or mandatory turns. Jumps generally are categorized as spreads, verticals, or water jumps and may be set up in combinations.
- Four faults are given for each jump knocked down (a rail or one or more parts of the jump falls to the ground).
- Four faults are given if one or more hooves leave an impression on the lath surrounding a water jump.
- Four faults are given for the first disobedience (such as a run-out or refusal to jump).
- One penalty point is given for every four seconds or portion of a second exceeding the time allowed in the first and second rounds and jump-offs not against the clock.
- One penalty point is given for each second or portion of a second exceeding the time allowed in a jump-off against the clock.
Grounds for Elimination
- Horse falls (shoulders and haunches touch the ground) or rider falls
- Second disobedience
- Uncorrected deviation from the course
- Exceeding the time limit