What Counts as a Fall?
Rider Fall – In the Competition Arena
A rider is considered to have fallen if they become separated from their horse and:
- touch the ground, or
- need support or assistance to get back into the saddle.
This can happen accidentally or deliberately.
Rider Fall – Outside the Competition Arena
Outside the competition arena (such as the warm-up area or around the grounds), a rider is only considered to have fallen if the separation from the horse was involuntary.
In simple terms:
- Accidentally coming off = fall
- Choosing to dismount = not a fall
Horse Fall
A horse is considered to have fallen when:
- both the shoulder and hindquarters touch the ground, or
- the horse touches both the obstacle and the ground.
What Happens After a Fall?
After any fall at an event — whether in the arena, warm-up, or elsewhere on the grounds — both rider and horse may need to be checked before continuing.
Rider Checks
The rider must be assessed by medical personnel before being allowed to ride again.
Horse Checks
The horse must be assessed by the Veterinary Delegate before returning to competition.* Rarely do vets attend regional weekend showjumping competitions, however the Organising Committee will have the contact of a local or regional Vet to attend to your horse should lameness or injuring be obvious or you request one.
Different Falls = Different Outcomes
One of the most misunderstood parts of Article 248 is that not all falls carry the same consequences.
1. Fall BEFORE Starting the Round
If the rider or horse falls before officially starting:
- the combination is NOT eliminated,
- however they cannot start that round, and will be listed as “Did Not Start” (DNS).
2. Fall DURING the Round
If a fall occurs during the round the rider and horse combination is eliminated.
This is the most commonly understood fall outcome.
3. Fall AFTER Crossing the Finish Line
A fall after the finish line does NOT automatically mean elimination.
However:
If there is an immediate jump-off:
- the combination is eliminated from the jump-off.
If the jump-off or second round happens later:
- the rider and horse may continue, but only after medical and veterinary clearance.
4. Fall in the Warm-Up Arena
A fall in the warm-up does not automatically eliminate the combination from competition.
However both rider and horse must first be cleared before continuing.
The Ground Jury Has Additional Authority
Depending on the situation, the Ground Jury may:
- move a rider to a later starting position,
- delay a jump-off,
- or prevent the rider and/or horse from continuing further in the competition or event.
These decisions are made in the interests of safety, fairness, and horse welfare.
For further detail always read through the EA jumping rules:
