Article 249 of the Equestrian Australia Jumping rules is about help given during the round, from the moment the horse crosses the start line until after the last fence.
In plain English:
Unauthorised assistance = someone physically helping the rider or horse during the round in a way that assists them to continue or complete the course.
Examples include:
- adjusting tack while the rider is mounted
- handing the rider a whip
- physically helping the rider or horse
- intervening in a way that gives practical assistance
The penalty is Elimination.
This Article also gives exceptions. It is not unauthorised assistance if someone hands the rider their helmet/protective headgear or glasses, or if the Ground Jury/Judge allows assistance in exceptional circumstances, such as removing an inflated airbag vest.
So the key distinction is:
Safety assistance may be allowed. Performance assistance is not.
For further clarification please access the rules here:
