May 21, 2023

Rule Refresher: What Is Considered Unauthorized Assistance in Show Jumping?

By Meagan DeLisle - USEA Staff
USEA/Lindsay Berreth photo

Show jumping: some eventers love it and others stress out about memorizing their course more than they do their dressage test. Running through courses at home regularly in your lessons can definitely help with perfecting the strides between lines or helping boost your memory on what jump comes next, but assistance during your round at a competition is strictly prohibited. What does that mean truly for you as the athlete? We've outlined the rule below from the USEF Rules for Eventing that addresses unauthorized assistance in show jumping to help you better understand what help you can and cannot receive while in the ring.

Text has been taken directly from the USEF Rules for Eventing with emphasis added by the USEA.

EV125 Show Jumping Phase Unauthorized Assistance

1. Unauthorized Assistance is any intervention by a third party with the object of helping
the Athlete or Horse, regardless if it is solicited, between crossing the start line to begin
the course and crossing the finish line after jumping the last Obstacle.

2. Unauthorized Assistance may be penalized by Elimination, at the discretion of the
Ground Jury.

a. If permitted by the Ground Jury, an Athlete may enter the arena on foot or with the help of
a groom without being penalized for Unauthorized Assistance.

b. Any help given to a mounted Athlete to adjust their saddlery or bridle or to hand them a
whip during the round must incur Elimination
.

c. To hand a mounted Athlete their headgear and/or spectacles during their round must not
be penalized as Unauthorized Assistance.

d. Warning an Athlete of a deviation from the course must be penalized as Unauthorized
Assistance.
The Athlete and/or the individual who have the warning may be Eliminated or
otherwise penalized, at the discretion of the Ground Jury.

Want to catch up on past rule refreshers? Click here.

Apr 28, 2025 Intercollegiate

Meet the 2025 USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship Teams

It's officially time for the "Happiest Horse Trials in the World" this weekend! There will be 154 intercollegiate entries representing 16 schools joining forces to create 42 teams to compete in the 2025 USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship. Alongside the USEA Interscholastic Eventing League (IEL) Championships for the second year in a row, collegiate members will converge on Stable View in Aiken, South Carolina this Friday, May 2 through Sunday, May 4.

Apr 28, 2025 Profile

Lily Dal Cin Found Her People—and Her Purpose—Through Intercollegiate Riding

For Lily Dal Cin, college has been as much about grit and growth as it has been about horses and art. As a member of NC State’s intercollegiate eventing team, she’s weathered setbacks with her horses while continuing to ride, support her teammates, and pursue a demanding degree. Through it all, the team has been her anchor.

Apr 27, 2025 Competitions

fischerChipmunk FRH Carries Jung to His Fifth Defender Kentucky CCI5*-L Title

Even though this is his fifth time winning the CCI5*-L in Kentucky and the 12th five-star win of his career, Michael Jung still thinks luck plays a factor in every competition.

Apr 27, 2025 Competitions

‘He’s More Than Deserving.’ Off The Record and Will Coleman Crowned Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S Champions at Defender Kentucky

Phillip Dutton couldn’t refrain from laughing as William Coleman described the start of his partnership with the now 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Off The Record (VDL Arkansas x Drumagoland Bay).

Official Corporate Sponsors of the USEA

Official Joint Therapy Treatment of the USEA

Official Feed of the USEA

Official Saddle of the USEA

Official Forage of the USEA

Official Competition & Training Apparel of the USEA

Official Horse Boot of the USEA

Official Shock Wave of the USEA

Official Horse Wear of the USEA